A new specially commissioned woodland area has been announced for the outskirts of Derry~Londonderry to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Unveiled by Princess Anne and the Woodland Trust, the Centenary Wood project will see four flagship wood areas created throughout the UK in remembrance of The Great War.

The 53 acre site is situated just off the Glenshane Pass, stretching along the River Faughan. In it, wildlife and flowers will be given a chance to bloom and a memorial area will allow for reflection.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce plans for Northern Ireland’s Centenary Wood and are grateful that The Princess Royal has taken the time to visit this beautiful site. 

“Here, we aim to plant up to 40,000 native trees and create carpets of wildflowers, including iconic poppies. And we hope that a special memorial area, possibly by the banks of the stunning River Faughan, will provide a place for quiet reflection.

“This new wood will be a living, lasting tribute to the people from the island of Ireland who fought or supported others during the war.”