Locals pay tribute to war heroes

Over 10,000 trees will be planted throughout the West Midlands to commemorate the First World War’s centenary.

The Woodland Trust, a UK based conservation charity, is leading the project. The scheme is part of a larger programme being launched throughout the UK which aims to develop four ‘Centenary Woods’ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by 2018.

10,170 saplings are expected to be transferred to schools and community groups across the West Midlands.

The initiative seeks to combine the refurbishment of local areas with a tribute to fallen war heroes.

The Woodland Trust is calling for locals to get involved as the ambitious project will require a £20 million investment. According to the charity’s website, through local participation the project aims to provide a “legacy for the whole country” which “will stand for all time”.

John Tucker, the Woodland Trust’s Woodland creation director, has praised the scheme, remarking: “Whether planted for a family member, former school pupil or well-loved member of the community, each tree will represent a special group of people.”

Mr Tucker has also stressed the dual emphasis placed on “securing future woodland” and remembrance.

They claimed that “local tree planting events help us work toward our target of doubling the amount of native woodland we have.”

This is significant as the UK currently has “less woodland cover than the rest of Europe,” commented Tucker.

The charity’s lead partner, Sainsbury’s, is supporting the project. Money raised through products including Woodland free-range eggs, chicken and turkey will be contributed towards the scheme.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s group commercial director and CEO delegate, has said that the cause is “important to our customers and colleagues, and commemorative to the 350 colleagues who fell during World War One.”

Sainsbury’s has donated £1 million to the scheme, along with contributions from partners including WHSmith and Wilko.

This has enabled the Woodland Trust to provide over 3,000 free tree packs to schools, youth groups and communities over the coming spring.