A YEAR on from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the planting of the grove of redwood trees that have been commissioned to commemorate the event is now complete.

The grove, after thinning, will see 60 trees (one for each year of the Queen's reign) in a location near Beechenhurst, which were provided by the Forestry Commission. Now sponsors, in the form of residents, businesses and organisations, are being sought to support benches, signage and a commemorative plaque.

Cllr Diana Edwards, Forest of Dean District Council cabinet member for strategic partnerships who is involved in steering he project said: "I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Forestry Commission. It's great that we have finally got the last trees planted. In years to come this will be a wonderful reminder of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with the redwoods towering over the surrounding trees. A pathway linking with Beechenhurst is now winding through the Redwood grove and this connectivity is an important part of the project."

Deputy Surveyor of the Forestry Commission Kevin Stannard said: "The trees have been successfully planted and the site is starting to come together with paths in place and plans for site furniture. The Redwood grove will grow up into an impressive area to visit in the future and we have chosen this species as a species that will be robust in times of climate change ahead.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Diamond Jubilee Redwood grove should contact Cllr Diana Edwards on 01594 510127 or e mail: [email protected]">[email protected].