Westminster Woodland

A new Westminster Woodland has been created at the heart of The National Forest with the support of leading Parliamentarians.

The new woodland was officially opened in March by the Father of the House of Commons, Tam Dalyell MP (pictured right with Susan Bell and Viv Astling), at a ceremony attended by donors from both the Houses of Lords and Commons.

The woodland has been planted within the CONKERS site at Moira. Its centrepiece is an avenue of oak trees leading to a hilltop sculpture.

Mr Dalyell said: 'All those members of both Houses of Parliament who made donations will, I know, be proud to be associated with this unique woodland. It will be a lasting symbol of their concern for the environment and for the communities of this country.'

The new sculpture stands five metres tall and is already an eye-catching landmark. In coming years it will be surrounded by a thriving wood.

Loughborough University School of Art and Design graduate Malcolm Revill (pictured with the sculpture) was selected to create the sculpture. His steel and glass work draws on forms found within the portcullis – the emblem of the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Dalyell described the sculpture as thought-provoking and said it would 'make us consider deeply all that the Mother of Parliaments represents'.

The Westminster Woodland project was launched in 1998 by former Prime Minister John Major. It has raised funds through donations from staff and members of both Houses of Parliament.

Mr Dalyell and his colleagues were welcomed to the Forest by National Forest Company Chairman Viv Astling and Nicholas Corah, Chairman of the Heart of the National Forest Foundation. Mr Astling said 'Both the new wood and the sculpture at its heart are a marvellous symbol of the all-party support that The National Forest has always enjoyed.'