Historic Woodlands Joined for Diamond Jubilee
Two historic Pembrokeshire woodlands will be joined for the first time as one of Wales’ only two Diamond Woods is planted at Bluestone National Park Resort to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Over 120 people joined broadcaster and wildlife expert Iolo Williams on Saturday to help plant some of the 35,000 native trees at Bluestone to create an additional natural woodland habitat within the 500-acre site.
Bluestone is one of just 60 Diamond Woods being planted throughout the UK this year as part of a scheme co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust. The new wood will bring together the historic Canaston and Minwear woods for the first time in centuries, securing an important habitat for wildlife in the area.
Wildlife television presenter Iolo Williams led the planting of hundreds of trees at Bluestone National Park Resort near Narberth at the weekend as part of the Woodland Trust’s Diamond Woods scheme.
On Saturday guests, staff and dignitaries joined Iolo, best known for his intrepid BBC and S4C wildlife programmes, as he led the community planting, aided by Bluestone CEO, William McNamara.
“This is a great way to create new habitats for wildlife, flora, and fauna as well as marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,” said Iolo. “It’ll provide a legacy for generations to come and brings together two very important existing woodlands here in the heart of Pembrokeshire.”
He added: “The Bluestone Diamond Wood, with its 35,000 new trees, demonstrates how we can work together to safeguard our environment and it’s good to see so many people wanting to be involved in such an important scheme here in West Wales.”
Sixty new Diamond Woods, each around 60 acres in size, plus hundreds of smaller Jubilee Woods are being created across the UK. The aim is to plant six million trees and to involve millions of people in the planting.
Mr McNamara said: “We’re privileged to be involved in the Diamond Wood scheme. As guardians of this important part of Pembrokeshire appreciate just how important our responsibilities are.
“The creation of a new woodland will not only enhance what is already an important habitat, but it will build our legacy for generations to come.”
A range of native trees is being planted following consultation with the Woodland Trust, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Wildlife Trust, Countryside Council for Wales, and the Forestry Commission.
They include Ash, Oak, Rowan, Hazel, Wild Cherry, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Field Maple, Common Alder, Downy Birch, Blackthorn, Alder Buckthorn, Elder, Spindle, and Aspen.
Paula Keen of the Woodland Trust said: “I’m delighted that the Bluestone National Park Resort has chosen to take part in the Jubilee Woods Project in this way. What better way could there be of celebrating this important national event.”
The project is being funded by Bluestone with part funding from Forestry Commission Wales through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013. The plan is funded through the Welsh Government and European Union. Learn more about Bluestone's commitment to sustainability and the environment through our Free Range Future project.