Today (27th February), a new iconic sign will be unveiled at Northwood, Livingston by the Woodland Trust Scotland. During the last week, schools across West Lothian have been creating Scotland’s answer to the “Hollywood” sign in California.
Working with professional woodworker Julian Angus, the Trust has created a symbol which will get Northwood noticed and encourage people to visit the newly-created woodland to see Livingston’s latest landmark.
Nine schools have worked with Julian over the week, building each giant wooden letter to spell out ‘NORTHWOOD’. The children have had great fun being part of this unique, hands-on learning experience to celebrate the final year of tree-planting at the site. The final letter will be erected today.
The project is part of the Branching Out West Lothian Project (BOWL) which aims to improve the biodiversity value of local woods, encourage more people to get out and into their natural environment, as well as providing inspiration for learning across the curriculum by enabling schools to use woodland as a classroom.
Kate Walters, Learning Project Officer said. “We wanted to create something that would get people talking and attract new visitors to Northwood to appreciate the beautiful new woodland as it grows. We hope that this sign becomes as synonymous with West Lothian as the Hollywood sign is to California!”
The project has received funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and West Lothian Council.
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979 706675 alternatively call The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail
media@woodlandtrust.org.ukThe Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
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.
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. In the last 25 years the Trust has increased its holdings in Scotland it now owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,500 hectares. Further news can be accessed via this website.
Schools involved
Dedridge Primary, Howden St Andrews, Deans Primary, Longridge Primary, St Thomas Addiewell, Seafield Primary, St Ninians Primary, Polkemmet Primary, Stoneyburn Primary