VOLUNTEERS are being sought to create a new woodland this weekend.

They will plant 420 trees over seven acres on land along Deer Park Road, Witney, starting a new green lung to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The project by Witney Woodland Volunteers will feature fruit trees, native hardwoods, a wild flower meadow and picnic area. It is hoped the area will be used by schoolchildren as an outdoor classroom.

The volunteers have been given permission to plant the trees and manage the site by West Oxfordshire District Council, which owns the land.

Warwick Robinson, the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “The planting will enhance the land and generally beautify the landscape.

“We are happy as a council to participate in something that, I think, is only good for the area.”

The trees were donated to Witney Woodland Volunteers by The Woodland Trust, which aims to increase the amount of woodland in Britain.

The country has just 12 per cent native woodland cover, compared to the European average of 44 per cent. The trust aims to plant 20 million trees every year for the next 50 years.

Project organiser David Colbourne, said: “What we are hoping to achieve is something our grandchildren and great grandchildren will see come to fruition.”

Juliet Curry, a founder member of Witney Woodland Volunteers, said the area would also attract birds and butterflies. She added: “Witney does not have a public wood within walking distance where people can enjoy the trees in each season.

“This location is a perfect spot and will be an asset for the next hundred years and more.”

lPlanting takes place from 11am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers will meet at the entrance opposite Valance Crescent, and should wear appropriate clothing, and bring spades, trowels and kneelers, although, some will also be available.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk