TV weathergirl highlights wind of change at ancient woodland
Siân Lloyd helped usher in a new era at Wentwood Forest on February 27, when she visited the historic site to help youngsters from nearby Garnteg Primary School in Pontypool, plant trees. They worked with the Woodland Trust to get the restoration of Wales’ largest ancient woodland underway.
Siân Lloyd said: “As an enthusiast for the Welsh countryside, I was keen to support the Woodland Trust’s campaign to Save Wentwood Forest, the largest ancient woodland in Wales. I’m delighted that the acquisition has now been completed, and I can think of no better way of marking this happy event that joining local children in planting new, native trees at the site. I’m looking forward to it!”
The Woodland Trust launched its successful Save Wentwood Forest fundraising campaign in June last year to buy and safeguard 352 hectares (870 acres) of the ancient site. The purchase was completed last month.
The Woodland Trust paid tribute to local people for their overwhelming support with the local public appeal alone raising more than £100,000, while 30,000 individual donations were received from across the UK and the world.
The Trust had to raise at least £1.5 million to buy the site before getting its restoration underway. Support also included contributions and grants from The Tubney Charitable Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Hickinbotham Charitable Trust, the Oak Foundation and a number of other charitable trusts.
The planting event launched a week of schools’ sessions with up to 300 youngsters from 10 nearby schools. During May and June, the Woodland Trust will be organising a host of events, public consultation meetings and public walks, to mark the acquisition of Wentwood and give local residents the chance to have their say on to how it should be managed.
Details will publicised nearer the time and posted on special Wentwood website www.savewentwoodforest.org.uk
