Two new coronation woodlands created

Picklescott and Lower Lye are among new sites, with more than 130,000 new trees planted in Shropshire

Two new woodlands, spanning 75 hectares, have been planted in Shropshire.

Among five sites across the west of England, Picklescott and Lower Lye have more than 130,000 new trees planted across them.

A long-term species research project helping influence forest planting and management will also being carried out at Picklescott.

Supported by the Nature for Climate Fund, the new Coronation Woods celebrate the enthronement of King Charles III, said Forestry England.

The new coronation woodlands celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, say Forestry England

Species such as pedunculate oak, sessile oak, alder, Scots pine and Monterey pine have been planted.

At both sites, shrubs like dogwood, hawthorn and elder have also been added along the woodland edges to attract wildlife, said the organisation.

The public are now able explore the new woodlands via existing public rights of way.

Kevin Stannard, Forestry England's forest management director in the west of England, said they were part of the organisation's "most ambitious woodland creation initiative for decades".

"They will bring benefits for hundreds of years, providing crucial green spaces for communities, providing a sustainable source of timber, and supporting wildlife to flourish," he added.