A new celebration woodland was launched today [14 October] at Roadford Lake by Janette Ward, Regional Director of Natural England. Supported by South West Water and South West Lakes Trust the woodland provides an area where visitors can show their appreciation of the landscape and environment, and offset their carbon emissions, by helping to create a new woodland. This will provide a new feature for the landscape which visitors to the lake can enjoy for many years to come.

‘Trees play a major part in people's lives: from single trees in parks and gardens to woodlands in the countryside. They help to increase biodiversity, provide wood for countless uses, make town and country attractive, give shelter and shade and endless opportunities for enjoyment.' said Janette Ward at the official launch.

For a minimum donation of £20, visitors can choose from a selection of native trees recommended by the Trust's Forestry Advisor. The donation covers the cost of the tree, on-going maintenance and a dedication for a loved one, anniversary or birthday in a special book housed in the Visitor Centre at the Lake.

Monica Read, Customer Service Director for South West Water said ‘Of the many environmental initiatives in which we are involved, the planting of a native woodland will probably take the longest to come to fruition, yet it is very satisfying to be involved at the very start, planting a tree today.'

The first phase of planting will take place during the winter of 2009 and will include a mixture of English oak, rowan, ash, hazel and hawthorn. Visitors can join the scheme at any time of the year and several planting phases are planned.

If you would like to join this exciting scheme which will benefit the environment and visitors for many years to come visit South West Lakes Trust website www.swlakestrust.org.uk or call 01566 771930. Information is also available from the Visitor Centre at Roadford Lake.