Plant your tree for the Jubilee: Saturday 25 February, 10.30am to 3.30pm

Tree planting, arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting and archery are just some of the activities on a brimming woodland agenda – and all free of charge.

The Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods project aims to involve millions of people in planting six million trees throughout the UK.  At the core of the project will be the creation of 60 special Diamond Woods – each at least 60 acres in size.

Land on the doorstep of the seaside village of Whitehead has been chosen as the venue for Northern Ireland’s Diamond Wood. This jewel in the crown is the result of a joint partnership between the Trust and owner Carrickfergus Borough Council, and is funded by Forest Service and GROW under the NI Rural Development Programme.

Patrick Cregg, the Trust’s director, says: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s 60-year reign while making a meaningful contribution to the landscape. This February - the anniversary of the accession to the throne - will see mass tree planting right throughout the UK. We’ve a target to plant 60,000 native saplings here at Whitehead, and we hope that individuals and groups will help get things off to a flying start.”   

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg, adds: “We want as many people as possible - local people and visitors - to join us.  And with a wealth of fun activities on offer, it’s an unmissable day for everyone. This new wood will be a fantastic natural resource, a haven for wildlife, and a living legacy for future generations.”

The Woodland Trust is also offering thousands of free Jubilee tree packs to schools and community groups for planting this November.  Funded by IKEA, the community tree packs come in a choice of size and are designed to help groups enhance local shared spaces.  Find out more at www.jubileewoods.org.uk

Please wrap up warm, bring stout footwear and a spade (if you have one!)  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  The terrain is unsuitable for pushchairs.  Limited parking is available at Bentra Golf Course, Slaughterford Road. Alternatively a free shuttle bus will leave Whitehead Train Station; Whitehead Recreational Grounds; and Blackhead Path every half hour from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

For further detail, telephone Michelle McCaughtry at the Woodland Trust on 028 9127 5787 or email [email protected]