A GROVE of giant Californian Redwood trees is to be planted in the Forest as part of local events to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Redwood trees, which will be planted later this year, will eventually be thinned out to form a grove of 60 trees, one to mark each year of the Queen's reign.

The Forest of Dean District Council is working with the Forestry Commission on the project, the location for which can be seen from the main road at Beechenhurst and is opposite Cannop Ponds.

Cllr Diana Edwards, cabinet member for Strategic Partnerships and Projects said: "I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Forestry Commission. Redwood trees are a majestic species and these will, one day, become the tallest trees in the Forest."

She added: "This is a fitting way for the Forest of Dean to mark the Diamond Jubilee with a lasting memento which benefits the area."

Residents, businesses and organisations are also being invited to give sponsorship to the grove, with the hope that it will eventually become a visitor attraction with new paths – including a linking track to the Beechenhurst site – benches and signs. It has been announced that several district councillors have already made generous pledges following an invitation to them to personally contribute.

Businesses and groups who think they would like to support the project should email Cllr Jim Connell at [email protected]">[email protected]