A UNIQUE project to plant almost 1,000 trees and create a new “green heart” for Dunmow is set to get underway.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year, 900 native trees will be planted in the meadow at Harp Mead near Church End before the end of this year.

The project is part of a national initiative started by the Woodland Trust which is aiming to plant six million trees in the UK by the end of 2011 – including 60 exclusive ‘Diamond Woods’, one to mark each year of Elizabeth II’s reign. The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, is Patron of the scheme.

Dunmow’s deputy town clerk David Green is spearheading the project locally for the town council.

“The council has decided to plant the trees because it will be a long lasting, long term benefit for the town,” he said.

“These trees will also always be there to remind us of this very special, unique event – there has only been one other Diamond Jubilee in the history of the British monarchy.”

Mr Green said that the trees are ready to be delivered but the Woodland Trust is waiting for the right time as there is not enough moisture in the soil.

“When the wood has grown it will be the green heart of our vibrant community that will be for the future people of Dunmow,” he explained.

Jubilee Woods project manager Georgina McLeod told the Broadcast: “It is great to see that Dunmow Town Council has signed up to receive a free tree pack from the Woodland Trust. We want people in towns and villages across the country to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee by planting trees.

“We hope that as many people as possible in the town help to plant the trees in the coming weeks.”

Free Jubilee tree packs are also available for communities and schools to plant in local areas and school grounds. Visit jubileewoods.org.uk for more details.

? Are you planning an event to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee? Let us know about your plans by e-mailing michael.edwards@archant.co.uk