Local people are being encouraged to have their say and help create a new centenary forest outside Derry~Londonderry to mark the centenary of the First World War. 

Situated on the banks of the River Faughan, Brackfield Wood is one of four flagship woods being created to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Great War. 

The project was announced last year and will see four centenary woods filled with millions of trees in recognition of the millions of lives lost and forever affected by the conflict. 

The Woodland Trust will open the gates to Derry's Faughan Valley on Saturday 28 March from 12pm to 3pm and have issues an open invitation to local people and to visitors to get involved in tree planting.

'This is a special opportunity to make a personal and hands-on contribution to Brackfield Wood, still very much in its infancy,' said Patrick Clegg, Director of the Woodland Trust. 

'By the end of the project, our aim is to have 40,000 native trees planted here at Brackfield, with carpets of wildflowers including iconic poppies. We do hope that as many people as possible will join us, roll up their sleeves, and plant a tree.'

Everyone is welcome to attend the event this Saturday and are advised to wear sturdy footwear or wellington boots. Free refreshments will be provided.