First trees planted in Northern Ireland Centenary Wood

First trees planted in Northern Ireland Centenary Wood

10 November 2014

Woodland Trust started tree planting on Saturday at Northern Ireland’s First World War Centenary Wood with the support of Sainsbury’s. Located in ‘Brackfield Wood’ in the heart of the scenic Faughan Valley, the first tree will be planted by Stanley McMinn, a Woodland Trust supporter, to commemorate his uncle that fell in the First World War.

  • Sainsbury’s to support First World War Centenary Woods
  • Brackfield Wood in Faughan valley is one of four Centenary Woods
  • Local man picked to plant first commemorative tree for fallen relative

Stanley McMinn planted an oak tree to mark his uncle Private Edmund Gray who passed away at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. He was joined by Woodland trust supporters and Sainsbury’s colleagues at the event on Saturday 8th November.

Sainsbury’s is marking its ten year partnership with the Woodland Trust by supporting the charity’s commemorative First World War Centenary Woods project. Customers who buy Sainsbury’s Woodland free range eggs, chicken and turkey will not only be buying higher welfare produce – they will be helping to create four lasting memorial woodlands for those affected by the Great War across the UK.

A total of 40,000 native trees will be planted at ‘Brackfield Wood’ in the heart of the scenic Faughan Valley in County Londonderry, the native trees include oak, birch, alder and rowan.

Stanley McMinn said: “I was raised on stories about my Uncle Eddie from my earliest years. My mother, Eddie's younger sister, idolised him. Sadly, at just 26 years old, he was killed by shellfire at Passchendaele while retrieving a wounded officer. There is no known grave and his remains were never found.

“This Centenary Wood will be a unique and peaceful tribute to all those who served in, or lived during, the war.”

Patrick Cregg, Director of the Woodland Trust, said: “This is a unique opportunity to mark the centenary by helping to create a flourishing new stretch of woodland. The trees, which will stand for generations to come, will be a living, growing tribute to the people from the island of Ireland who played a part in the war.  With the support of our partner Sainsbury’s, we hope to plant 40,000 trees here.”

“We hope that everyone – local people and visitors – will join us to plant the first saplings.”

Nigel Macaulay, Sainsbury’s Regional Manager for Northern Ireland adds: “It’s an honour to be part of the first tree planting at the Northern Ireland Centenary Wood. Sainsbury’s has been supporting the charity for 10 years and we’re proud to continue this partnership with the support of Woodland Trust’s centenary project.”