LOCAL people are being invited to get to grips with the environment on December 10 when dozens of new trees are planted for a new millennium wood in Okehampton.

'Tramlines Wood' will be the name of the one-acre site which is part of a 17-acre ancient woodland near Simmons Park acquired by the Woodland Trust earlier this year following a local campaign.

The planting event at Okehampton is part of the last leg of the 'Woods on Your Doorstep' initiative conceived by the Woodland Trust which will have hit its target of planting 1.8 million trees in 250 new woods by next spring.

Supported by the Millennium Commission with a grant of £10.5-million 'Woods on Your Doorstep' is one of the country's biggest ever planting challenges.

Everyone is welcome at the event on December 10, starting at 1pm — no experience is necessary as all planting instructions will be provided.

Dominic Driver of the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity, said the site was very attractive, sandwiched between the river and the ancient wood.

'We've worked with local people to ensure the design of the new wood reflects their wishes,' he said. 'To this end we will be planting only a few dozen water edge trees such as alder and willow — they will be scattered in clumps to keep the open feel of the site.'

The charity has also been working with the Okement Rivers Improvement Programme to build a footbridge from the children's play area in Simmons Park but this unfortunately will not be ready in time for the tree planting.

Town mayor Christine Marsh said the project had received a lot of support locally: 'It's wonderful that this beautiful area is being preserved for people to enjoy for generations to come,' she said.

'Like many people I have grown up with the "Tram Lines", enjoying its circular walk and lovely scenery.

'Now it will be even safer for the public to enjoy, and, with the addition of extra footpaths and the planned footbridge, more walks and views will be opened up.'

To get to the site, walk past the old railway station on the southern edge of Okehampton on the track known as the 'Tram Tracks' and take the new path that leads steeply down through the wood on the left.

Car parking is available at Okehampton Railway Station.