VOLUNTEERS are being urged to join the first big tree-planting initiative for the Somerset Wood.

The first batch of 1,200 broad-leaved trees is being delivered by the Woodland Trust and organisers want to get them in the ground before the end of February.

A second phase will take place next winter with a third phase the winter after if needed.

The wood is being created as a living memorial to those from the county who died in World War One.

It is a joint partnership between Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Cheddon Fitzpaine and West Monkton Parish Councils and will be located in the parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine, north of Taunton and west of Monkton Heathfield.

Some 14,000 trees will eventually be planted in honour of the 11,281 Somerset residents who died in the war.

Covering 23 acres, the wood will be a place for wildlife and peace within a planned country park.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Alan Hall of West Monkton Parish Council at [email protected] or on 07811 321638 or Jo Pearson, Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council’s clerk, at [email protected]  or on 07891 529809.

More about the Somerset Wood project and how to support it by volunteering to plant trees or making a donation towards the cost of creating and maintaining the wood can be found on the county council’s website.