A special woodland area is to be created on the outksirts of Derry to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

Plans for a Centenary Wood for Northern Ireland have been unveiled today by the Woodland Trust, with a helping hand from Princess Anne.
 
The project will see four flagship woods created throughout the UK to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
 
The 53-acre local site – currently grassland with one pocket of precious ancient woodland – stretches alongside the River Faughan, just off the Glenshane Road.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce plans for Northern Ireland’s Centenary Wood and are grateful that The Princess Royal has taken the time to visit this beautiful site. 

“Here, we aim to plant up to 40,000 native trees and create carpets of wildflowers, including iconic poppies. And we hope that a special memorial area, possibly by the banks of the stunning River Faughan, will provide a place for quiet reflection.

“This new wood will be a living, lasting tribute to the people from the island of Ireland who fought or supported others during the war.”

The project offers a ray of hope for wildlife too.
 
Patrick continued: “This site has an absolutely ideal location1.  We have the renowned River Faughan running alongside us; while a number of woods, including fragments of ancient woodland, dot the nearby banks of the river.
 
“Species here include endangered red squirrels, otters, kingfishers and purple hairstreak butterflies. Our goal is to create a new stretch of glorious woodland, which will link the nearby woods and form a continuous wildlife corridor.”

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