Trees are being planted on new housing estates across Colchester to mark 100 years since the First World War.

Colchester Borough Council (CBC) is working with developers to get the commemorative trees installed.

Over the next four years developers of sites with more than ten houses will be told about the voluntary commemorative scheme as part of their planning decision notice.

The trees will be marked with a plaque and a preservation order will also be placed on them, meaning council permission is needed for any work to the tree, to mark them out as being very special.

Developer Taylor Wimpey kick-started the initiative by planting an oak tree at its Blenheim Park development yesterday, and has pledged to deliver an avenue of remembrance to mark the centenary at their Praecedo development.

Michael O’Leary, regional sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey, said: “As a thriving garrison town Colchester has a rich military history and we feel this tree planting is a fitting tribute to the many young men who lost their lives in battle during the First World War.

“We hope our avenue of remembrance will become a place for quiet reflection for both the new residents of Praecedo and existing local residents.”

Tim Young, councillor for planning and culture at CBC, added: “With the centenary of the Great War taking place this year, we are encouraging developers starting work on a site in the borough to plant a tree to commemorate the enormous sacrifice 100 years ago.

“It is hoped these trees will be a living testament to the sacrifice made by many Colchester residents in the First World War, leaving a lasting legacy of this hugely significant period of our nation’s history for future generations.”