By James HoreAN ambitious woodland project in the heart of East Anglia has almost hit its funding target, thanks to the support of EADT readers.The Woodland Trust was gifted funds for the purchase of a 500-acre site in Fordham from an anonymous benefactor and asked the public for help in raising £75,000 to complete the design.

By James Hore

AN ambitious woodland project in the heart of East Anglia has almost hit its funding target, thanks to the support of EADT readers.

The Woodland Trust was gifted funds for the purchase of a 500-acre site in Fordham from an anonymous benefactor and asked the public for help in raising £75,000 to complete the design.

The East Anglian Daily Times pledged its support to the Forest For The Future, which aims to give generations of people a place of natural beauty to visit.

The trust has now revealed it is £20,000 short of its target and was hopeful that will be reached in a matter of weeks.

A trust spokesman said: “Thanks to the overwhelming support of the community, this forest for the future is fast taking shape as the South East's biggest new native wood.”

Christine Punter, its regional development officer added: “We have been inspired by the response this project has received.

“Donations continue to arrive from people who want to see this part of East Anglia transformed into a place where wildlife can thrive and people can enjoy peaceful days out in natural surroundings.”

There is still a vast area to be planted over the next three winters and the Woodland Trust will be looking for volunteers to help at a community planting day later in the year.

n Donations towards Fordham Hall Estate can be sent to The Woodland Trust, PO Box 7536, Colchester, CO5 7WJ, or visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk/fordhamtrees to dedicate trees online.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk