EIGHTY people turned up to see a mass tree planting for the Centenary Glade project, in Dymock Forest.

Just over 500 trees were planted by groups including local schoolchildren, Women’s Institute volunteers and a team of ten from the Forestry Commission.

As well as marking the centenary of the Forestry Commission, the Centenary Glade project aims to honour the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and to engage with the people of the Golden Triangle daffodil area, on the Herefordshire/ Gloucestershire border “to nurture a shared forest unlike any other.”

Ahead of the mass tree planting on March 1, which was St David’s Day, local naturalists had visited the Centenary Glade, in Queens Wood, Kempley, “to help develop a winter development plan for the beauty spot.”

Wild daffodils are set to the planted later this year “to create a major ‘daffodil hotspot’ within 300 yards of the roadside."

The hope is that it will attract visitors every spring.

Project spokesman Chris Bligh said of the recent tree planting: “As it was the opening event of the daffodil season, it attracted 80 adults, who are committed supporters of many walking, cycling and environmental/ heritage groups in the area.

“The Glade soup kitchen provided by Kempley Village Cafe and Market served leek and potato soup, in daffodil yellow compostable cups!”

Mr Bligh added: “The turnout of parish councillors was particularly welcome - from Upton Bishop, Linton, Kempley and Dymock.

"The event’s collective and collaborative effort signals well for local measures addressing issues of biodiversity, and as a forestry project, the looming problem of climate change impacts.”

When completed, the hope is that the Centenary Glade will be a haven for wildlife.

Less common trees being planted, such as wild service tree, wych elm, guelder rose and alder buckthorn, could help to encourage butterfly species such as the Brimstone and also rare species of moth, such as the Drab Looper Moth, which is often found in ancient woodlands.