It’s down to DIO and the Woodland Trust that a 100 acre woodland is being created in the Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh. The Woodland Trust is planting a wood in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - planting millions of trees to commemorate millions of heroes of the First World War.
I’m the Woodlands Trust’s Partnership Manager and my name is Janice Hix.
DIO and the Woodland Trust have worked together for over five years now, creating precious new woodlands on DIO sites throughout the UK as diverse as Warcop, Catterick, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Borden, Winterbourne Gunner, Wethersfield, Condor and Barry Buddon. That’s almost 500,000 trees on MOD land to date, with another 100,000 lined up.
![Trees planted in Catterick Training Area as part of the collaboration between DIO and Woodland Trust. [Crown Copyright]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/01/Catterick_woodland3.jpg)
Centenary Woods at Dreghorn
Dreghorn Woods is - as you might imagine - close to Dreghorn Barracks. Right on the doorstep of Edinburgh, it will be a growing tribute to all those that played a role in the First World War, to remember the past and look to the future.
It is an apt place. British soldiers have trained there for over a century and still use it today. Recently, particularly in the cold and wet, serving soldiers helped plant almost 50,000 native trees with local people, including schoolchildren.
![Soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland train on land that is earmarked for a commemorative living memorial for Scotland’s First World War Heroes. They are pictured with Peter Hollins of the Ministry of Defence and Carol Evans from Woodland Trust Scotland. [Helen Pugh]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/01/Tree-planting-for-WW1-centenary-wood-at-Dreghorn-soldiers.jpg)
Planting
The best time to plant trees is when they are dormant, in the coldest, wettest months. This gives them the best start in life, building the roots before the leaves burst open in springtime. Therefore, in autumn last year, 450 school children planted 2,500 trees at Dreghorn Woods. They also learnt what it was like to be in the trenches 100 years ago, when ‘Dreghorn sludge’ caked the kilts of troops who trained in trenches before going to the Western Front.
A community day in November saw 250 people, including cadets and Scouts, as well as soldiers from 2 Scots and 3 Rifles plant a further 3,000 trees. These included a special avenue of 50 wild service trees which will provide a spectacular annual flash of red during autumn, just as thoughts turn again to remembrance. They also sowed two hectares of wildflowers (including poppies) to create a place for commemoration and reflection.
DIO’s Role
It’s all on land owned by the MOD and we at the Woodland Trust are very grateful to them. This precious new wood will increase native woodland in Edinburgh by almost 10%. In just a few years it will be teeming with wildlife, including birds, insects and bats. Suffice it to say, DIO has made a huge contribution to local biodiversity through their contribution and tireless support.
It’s a lasting tribute which can be enjoyed and valued by everyone – young and old. And remember, it’s all stemmed from a need to improve terrain for military training exercises, so it’s a win all round.
![Soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland train on land that is earmarked for a commemorative living memorial for Scotland’s First World War Heroes. [Helen Pugh]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/01/Tree-planting-for-WW1-centenary-wood-at-Dreghorn-soldiers-from-Royal-Scots-on-site.jpg)
Get Involved
The Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project is taking place across the UK, so if you want to get involved there are many opportunities.
You could dedicate a tree at one of the four woods in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland – perhaps in memory or to give thanks to a relative who served in, or was affected by the First World War. To find out more visit http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/military/
Schools and community groups can apply for free packs of trees, including planting guidance, to plant on community land, to enhance their local area, to encourage wildlife and create green space for people now and in the future, as well as remember those who were affected by the First World War http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/in-your-community/
A limited number of special Groves are available at Dreghorn Woods, Scotland, as well as in the other UK Centenary Woods. These can be dedicated to particular people.
If you’re aware of land that might be suitable for planting a woodland, please do contact me too.
To find out more, please call me on 08452 935 619.
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