Diamond Wood gets a new mascot

Over the last month anyone who planted a tree at the 188-acre site at Dewsbury Country Park had the chance to enter a competition to name the mascot, and the winner, Jessica Clark from Mirfield, has been picked.

She named the cuddly creature Joe.

Jane Halladay, senior community coordinator from Groundwork who ran the competition, said: “We’ve had people of all ages out in the last few weeks to plant the final 4,000 Diamond Wood trees, not to mention coming up with some fantastic names for the squirrel. Groundwork is delighted to have played its small part in the creation of this fantastic legacy for Dewsbury residents.”

So far more than 500 people have helped plant 39.000 trees at the Daimond Wood, which will become the largest new woodland in Yorkshire once complete.

Coun Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “The success of planting the Diamond Wood is testament to local residents, communities, schools and businesses who have taken the challenge on to plant trees and leave their legacy for the future. The wood will enable more people to experience the outdoors on their doorstep and really places our local towns on the map as a place to visit.”

Even though the tree planting has nearly ended for this year there will be lots of other events at the park. Find out more at www.facebook.com/dewsburycountrypark