A GIANT wasteland is to be transformed into a royal wood in honour of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Work to convert a brownfield site off Spen Valley Greenway, Dewsbury Moor, into a ‘Diamond Wood’ begins in November.

The park will cover more than 60 acres – one for each year the Queen has been on the throne.

The project, managed by Kirklees Council and The Woodland Trust, is one of 60 Diamond Woods which will be planted around the UK.

Dewsbury’s Diamond Wood is expected to be completed within three years.

The project is expected to cost £300,000 with funding from The Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission.

Plans for the wood include wetland areas, wildflower meadows, a natural play area, a forestry school, a picnic area and mountain bike trails.

Some of the site’s existing beauty spots, including its meadows and wetlands, will be retained.

Neil Windett, Kirklees Council Countryside Manager, said: “The opportunity to create a lasting memorial to the Queen in the Yorkshire Pennines was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“We’re sure people in and around Dewsbury will support the project and we look forward to seeing lots of people turn up to plant trees in the autumn.

Mr Windett added: “It’s about trying to turn a piece of land that’s of no real interest into something for the community. A lot can be done with it, especially for public recreation.”

Kirklees Council and The Woodland Trust is looking for volunteers of all ages to help with tree planting and other work on the Diamond Wood.

Donations are also being sought to pay for trees and other equipment.

For more information about Diamond Woods visit: jubileewoods.org.uk/yorkshire

DEWSBURY Country Park hosts five children’s events over the summer.

Activities include a woodland fun day (Aug 27), a woodcraft workshop (Aug 28), an outdoor play day (Aug 29), a natural art workshop (Aug 31) and a woodland walk-inspired creative writing session (Sept 1).

For more information and to book a free place (essential) email: annieberrington@btinternet.com or call: 07974 935105.