More than 200 volunteers turned out for a tree planting session as part of a community project to create a Diamond Wood near Sutton Bonington.

The wood is being created as a joint project between the University and the Woodland Trust to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Professor Karen Cox, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “It was a huge privilege for the University to be selected and so closely involved with this special project.

“In the days, years and decades to follow, we hope that the wood will be a great resource for the University and local community in terms of both public engagement — as the planting day shows — and as an educational resource.”

The Woodland Trust also organised tree planting sessions with local schoolchildren.

Georgina McLeod, director of Jubilee Woods at the Woodland Trust, said: “Not only is this a chance to celebrate the Queen’s reign, it’s also a chance for communities to come together and, of course, tree planting is great fun for kids!

“More trees mean cleaner air, better water quality, more homes for wildlife and more green spaces to visit, play in and pass on for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

Professor David Greenaway, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, unveiled two plaques — one from the Woodland Trust and one from the University — as well as planting a tree himself.

He was joined by Dr Ron Haylock, Ambassador for the Woodland Trust, Stuart Holm, Woodland Creation Advisor, and Julian Wiseman, Head of the Sutton Bonington Alumni Association.

Sharon Clancy, Head of Community Partnerships at the University, said: “The site is going to be an ongoing, sustainable resource for the people of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire — not just the Sutton Bonington area.

“It has already been suggested that there may be further events and activities organised down the line, so that people can see the results of the planting and remain involved in the project — the planting day is definitely not being seen as a one-off.”

Ms Clancy is looking forward to watching the wood establish and mature.

She said: “I was genuinely knocked out by the site. It is a huge area — panoramic views, very beautiful, odd trees dotted about. It looks like some rural idyll! It seems like a great choice as people will want to come to it.”

For more information about the Jubilee Woods project, and to apply for free tree packs for community groups and schools, visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.