A HUGE community woodland project is underway on the back of a promise to fulfil the wishes of a Dunmow resident who died in the 1930s. Planting of over 3000 trees has begun on the David Cock land situated at the south end of Great Dunmow after the town s

A HUGE community woodland project is underway on the back of a promise to fulfil the wishes of a Dunmow resident who died in the 1930s.

Planting of over 3000 trees has begun on the David Cock land situated at the south end of Great Dunmow after the town's council agreed a grant from the forestry commission to completely fund the project.

The land, adjacent to the flitch way, was handed over to the town council by Mr Cock and his only request was for it to be used for the "enjoyment and recreation of Dunmow people" - that wish is now coming true.

Town mayor Gwynn Davies explains: "In 2008 the town council decided that it wanted to create a woodland for everyone to enjoy.

"At the time a farmer was using the land for crops, so we gave him one year's notice and late last year we got the go-ahead to begin planting. With the fine weather we are having now it is a perfect time to start."

Professional workers, Alan Mills and Simon King from Norfolk company Molson, began planting on Friday (March 12) and are expected to fill the two five-acre areas in around 10 days.

Only native British trees will be used, such as oak, and areas surrounding the woodland will be earmarked as 'Green Zones' which will be left to grow on their own accord.

Youth groups are being invited to plant their own trees and watch them grow and, according to deputy town clerk David Green, this is something that the council is really keen to promote.

"The council wants the public to get involved with the creation of the woodland," he said. "All we ask is that they contact us at Foakes House first so we can assist, and use only native British trees. The more people that help the better it will be."

After 2-3 years of growth the woodland will be fully established and then the council hope to add further facilities such as seating and picnic areas.

Cllr Davies added: "In the fullness of time it will be a really nice place to go and just enjoy the open countryside. With riverside walks and picnic areas in place we hope the whole community will make use of the area."

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Any individual or group who would like to plant trees of their own can call the council on 01371 872406.