VILLAGERS in three communities worried about the loss of woodland have launched a venture to create a new wood which can be enjoyed by the public.

VILLAGERS in three communities worried about the loss of woodland have launched a venture to create a new wood which can be enjoyed by the public.

The Three Village Woodlands Group is looking for a suitable site around Kirton, Falkenham and Trimley St Martin.

It aims to involve all age groups - and youngsters from Trimley St Martin Primary School have planted seeds which it is hoped will grow into trees which can one day form part of the new wood.

At the official launch of the scheme, there was a tree planting ceremony at the school with two-and-a-half year old Edward Matthews and Irene Barton, 90, symbolically planting a tree to mark the start of the fundraising.

Group chairman Stephen Harvey said: “The project has been born out of increasing concern about the steady losses of woodland to development.

“Its object is to acquire a piece of land which will become community woodland accessible to the public.

“The group will involve all age groups - children at Trimley St Martin School who will plant and nurture many of the trees, their teachers and parents and everyone else in the villages of Kirton, Falkenham and Trimley St Martin who would like to be involved.

“This is a long term project to be handed on to future generations so the involvement of our children is crucial.”

The group has teamed up with the Green Light Trust which has helped established 34 community woodlands in East Anglia in the last 15 years.

Mr Harvey said a community meeting had been held and a steering group set up to make the dream a reality.

“There are also ongoing talks with local landowners regarding a suitable site for the woodland where only native and naturalised trees and shrubs will be planted to enhance the traditional landscape and provide a rich haven for wildlife,” he said.

“The Green Light Trust encourages us to form a link with a forest community overseas and we are exploring a link with a school in Sri Lanka which will bring another dimension of interest, vibrancy and awareness to this project and its wider community.”

Anyone in the area can join the group - people should contact secretary Alison Mellors on 01394 448889 for more details.

Would you like to see more woodlands planted in the Felixstowe area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk