Members of the biggest Chinese Buddhist community in the UK joined representatives from Essex County Council and Theydon Bois Parish Council along with local Guides and Brownies in helping the Woodland Trust to complete a three year tree planting project at Theydon Bois, within the boundaries of ancient Epping Forest.
Since 2007 members of the Fo Guang Shan Temple, based in central London, have financed the planting of 4,500 saplings of native broadleaved species at the Woodland Trust site on Abridge Road.
Last week, they completed the project by planting the last 1,500 trees within their special area, starting with a small dedication ceremony during which the Venerable Master Chueh Ru, Abbess of the Community, and the President Ms. Salina Wong gave a short speech.
This year the Buddhist community has raised £5,670 for the final planting and a cheque was presented to the Woodland Trust as part of the ceremony.
The Venerable Chueh Ru said: "Today is a special moment for 'East meets West' - the first time a Buddhist community founded in the Far East has planted trees in the west; and the first time for London Fo Guang Shan to come from the West End of London to Theydon Bois in east London to plant trees.
“We want children and communities to experience being close to nature with woods and trees, and we want them to take action for the environment, ensuring woodlands are there for future generations to enjoy."
The new wood has free and open access for all and is within 15 minute’s walk of Theydon Bois tube station on the Central Line, putting it on the capital’s doorstep.
The 79 acre site was bought in 2006 by the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, with funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Countryside Agency, Forestry Commission and Green Arc initiative, which aims to protect the countryside around London and create a haven for wildlife as well as for millions of people by reducing pollution. Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, email: media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims: i) No further loss of ancient woodland; ii) Restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; iii) Increasing new native woodland; iv) Increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
