Green-fingered teenage cadets have been planting native trees at Ballykinler in County Down as part of the nationwide Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War with saplings planted and nurtured in memory of the millions of lives lost and affected.
The commemorative planting is focused on creating a natural mini woodland at Ballykinler in a public area close to the Cadet Training Centre.
Cadet Ellie Fulton said: “The countryside at Ballykinler is lovely, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and a brilliant view of the Mournes and we appreciate having such a lovely setting for our adventure training.
“We were really pleased therefore that it was chosen as a site to create this special World War I memorial and even more pleased when we realised that we’d be doing the planting ourselves. It was hot work digging in all those saplings, but it’s in a good cause and we’re proud to be part of the project.”
Northern Ireland will be home to one of four flagship woods created throughout the UK. Brackfield Wood, nestled on the banks of the beautiful River Faughan will eventually be home to 40,000 native saplings, with swathes of glorious wildflowers including the iconic poppy.
Gregor Fulton, Operations Manager with The Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “We’re also encouraging schools, groups and landowners throughout the country to create their own memorial woods and this latest project at Ballykinler shows what can be achieved. The kids have really embraced the concept and we’re delighted to have teamed up with the Army Cadet Force and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to plant this special Centenary Grove at Ballykinler.
“It’s an historically appropriate spot for the memorial for it overlooks the trenches at Ballykinler where the 36th (Ulster) Division trained before being deployed to fight in World War 1. This weekend, around sixty cadets rolled up their sleeves to plant native saplings as their personal, flourishing, lasting and respectful tribute to the people of Ireland who lost lives and loved ones during the war.
“Strategically, this one-acre area adjoins existing woodland and, in time to come, the trees will provide an extended habitat for Ballykinler’s precious wildlife, which includes the red squirrel”.
“This grove will be unique in many ways. The trees are planted to leave an open area looking out into the Mournes in the shape of a shamrock, which is associated with the Irish Regiment of past and present”.
(The First World War Centenary Woods project is supported by the Trust’s lead partner, Sainsbury’s.)
