THE ‘forest’ of Holsworthy town is getting larger following the donation of five trees from the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project.

The trees were allocated to Holsworthy by MP for Torridge and West Devon Geoffrey Cox who said he was ‘delighted’ to be able to donate the trees to Holsworthy to add to their recently planted World War One memorial tree trail and BBC Radio Devon ‘Communitree Challenge’ tree.

The first Commonwealth tree was initially going to be planted in Stanhope Park with the commemorative tree trail. However, due to its size the decision was taken to instead plant a spare tree left over from the World War One tree trail in its place, which now bears a plaque denoting it as a Commonwealth tree. The five trees provided by Mr Cox will be placed in Badock Gardens.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy aims to raise awareness of the importance of the Commonwealth countries’ indigenous trees and the need to save them for future generations.

Holsworthy has been inundated with new trees in recent weeks. The town council organised its own memorial tree trail, which commemorated the 39 fallen in the area who lost their lives during the First World War. Thirty-nine trees were planted on October 30 with the final tree being planted and blessed on November 2, as part of a grand opening ceremony for the tree trail. Each tree carries a plaque which provides individual details about each of the 39 soldiers. The final 40th tree represents all others who lost their lives during conflict.

The town was then fortunate to win the BBC Radio Devon Communitree Challenge, after Sandra Willetts nominated her home town for the competition. After a round of voting the town won and the Cornus Controversa (aka Wedding Cake Tree) was planted in Stanhope Park on October 19.

Mayor of Holsworthy Jon Hutchings said: “Thirty-nine trees have been planted to commemorate the 39 service men who died from Holsworthy during World War One. Each tree has been sponsored by local families, groups and businesses in the town. The 40th tree is sponsored by the town council and is for the living and the future. We have chosen an apple tree which will give into the future.

“This has been another remarkable community effort with many volunteers helping to plant the trees

“The project will be launched today and will include the final tree being planted and the unveiling of our trail board which includes a map and information about the 39 service men who are being remembered in our commemoration tree trail.

“Also included on the map is the BBC Communitree and a tree in support of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.”