The University of Warwick has been chosen as one of 60 sites across the UK to create an exclusive Diamond Wood by the Woodland Trust, to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Diamond Woods, made up of native trees, are being planted in every region of the UK with universities, colleges, local councils, Ministry of Defence and British Waterways all taking part in the special project.

Warwick is one of only three universities to be selected as hosts for the Diamond Woods.

Spanning the UK from Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides to Truro at the tip of Cornwall, these 60 woods, each at least 60 acres, have all been secured in good time and will transform the UK's landscape and local environments. Some have already been planted with the remainder ready for when tree planting resumes in the autumn

In addition to the 60 woods, The Woodland Trust will also be creating a very special 61st Diamond Wood in the National Forest in Leicestershire to represent the Queen's reign - and a further 250 Jubilee Woods are being planted.

Woodland Trust Jubilee Woods DirectorGeorgina McLeod said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the University of Warwick has joined with the Woodland Trust to create one of these very special Diamond Woods.

“It will help make a massive difference to the environment and pay a special tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. By the end of the project millions of people will have planted trees, a testament to the nation’s love for trees and our second longest reigning monarch.”

Bob Wilson, Director of Estates at the University of Warwick, added: “The University feels great pride at being chosen for one of the Diamond Woods.

“The 24 hectare site will enrich the campus, providing an active hub for wildlife and improving on an already beautiful area of the University. We are delighted to be supporting this project and to be celebrating The Queens’ Diamond Jubilee in this special way.”

Notes to Editors

For more information about the Diamond Woods project visit the Woodland Trust website.

For more information contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick, on 02476 575601, or on 07824 541142. Alternatively email l.hamer@warwick.ac.uk