… And now local residents can have their say on Langley Vale Wood’s development…

On Wednesday 24th June 2015 HRH The Princess Royal visited the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Wood in Epsom, to officially name it ‘Langley Vale Wood’.

It was a day that celebrated the rich history of the site through recreating the sights and sounds of First World War Epsom. The 10th Essex Regiment Living History group created vignettes of life on a First World War training camp (including bayonet and gas training), while a re-enactment of horse logging and charcoal making was given in nearby woodland. A fly past from the Great War Display Team was also featured in the celebrations.

The local Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association and The Vale primary school children attended to talk about the10,000 trees they helped plant on site to kick-start its transformation into a beautiful place for remembrance.

Philippa Borrill, the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project manager said: “We were thrilled to have Princess Anne officially name our Centenary Wood in Epsom. It was a wonderful day, which celebrated the rich history of Epsom and Langley Vale Wood itself, by re-enacting the day-to-day activities of the First World War training camp. A great day was had by all and we hope that the local community will also take the chance to shape our future plans for the site.”

The Trust is inviting local residents to have their say on what the wood looks like and includes as it continues to develop over the coming years. A public consultation will be held on the following dates:

• Friday 3rd July: 6:30pm – 9pm (Langley Vale village hall)
• Saturday 4th July: 1:30pm – 4pm (Langley Vale village hall)

The Trust’s Centenary Woods Project seeks to commemorate the First World War – creating a living legacy that can grow and thrive for future generations. Langley Vale is the Trust’s 640 acre flagship site for England, and will be planted with tens of thousands of native trees and carpets of wildflowers. This project offers everyone the chance to dedicate trees in memory of their ancestors and say ‘thank you’ for their sacrifices, while schools and community groups can apply for free tree packs to create their woodland.

The First World War Centenary Woods project is supported by the Trust’s lead partner Sainsbury’s, helping to plant millions of native trees to commemorate the First World War.

To find out more about the Woodland Trust, and how to dedicate a tree to your ancestor with them please go to: woodlandtrust.org.uk/first-world-war.