THE Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) has arranged for a dedication ceremony for the newly planted First World War Commemorative Woodland at Heatherton Park on Sunday (June 24).

The Rev Alan Ellacott will be offering a blessing at the event which starts at 4pm and among those attending will be Mayor of Wellington Gary James, pupils from Rockwell Green School and, it is hoped, local MP Rebecca Pow.

The inspiration to plant a one-and-a-quarter-acre woodland came from a Woodland Trust tree planting scheme when there was only one tree in the field – a single 350 year old oak.

The trust sourced the 800 native broad-leafed trees, stakes and tree guards, and partly funded the project.

Thirty local residents were recruited to plant the trees in March of this year.

Members of the public have the chance to sponsor a tree for £25, with proceeds going to the RBL and £600 has already been raised.

For more information email Johnabraham

[email protected] or phone 07894 213388 or 01823 461307.

Members of the public are welcome to walk the winding woodland path at any time. Gates at the top and bottom of the field are to be left unlocked.