TWO experienced woodland officers have joined Burnley Council this week to oversee the creation of a new £3.5m forest for Burnley.

Keith Wilson, 43, formerly woodlands officer at Bolton Metro, and 27-year-old lecturer Richard Jones from Myerscough College of Agriculture are based at the council's parks services headquarters, Rossendale Road.

The ambitious project to double the borough's woodlands by the year 2001, has been made possible thanks to a £1.7m grant from the National Lottery Millennium Fund. It includes planting a new million tree woodland, creating an urban arboretum, planting 2,000 specimen trees in the town and replanting and restoring existing woodland.

Mr Wilson said: "I see it as a mission to help recreate woodlands for people to use and enjoy, and to understand the wider long-term benefits of bringing back trees to our landscape.

"The forest of Burnley is the jewel in the crown of new forests throughout the north.

"It will have significant environmental benefits, provide new woodlands for local people to enjoy.

"And it could help create local jobs in tree planting and management."

Mr Jones, who has also worked in Chicago, said: "The chance to develop and urban arboretum is a rare and great opportunity.

"We will bring to Burnley a wide collection of both native British and exotic trees for residents and visitors to enjoy."

A woodland festival will be held at Towneley Hall on Bank Holiday Monday May 26.

Visitors will be able to find out more about the project and learn about woodland crafts and how to get involved.

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