Trees are planted at Centenary Wood

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8/11/14: Pictured at the Faughan Valley are Chelsea pensioners Paddy Fox (left) and Walter Swann from the Royal Hospital Chelsea who helped plant some of the first trees to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War as part of the Woodland Trust's Centenary Woods project.

A Centenary Wood in the beautiful Faughan Valley is springing to life thanks to local people and visitors who rallied to plant the first of 40,000 native trees. Part of the Woodland Trust's Centenary Woods project, 'Brackfield Wood' is one of just four flagship woods being created throughout the UK to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Picture: Michael Cooper — PRESS RELEASE IMAGE - NO FEE FOR REPRODUCTION 8/11/14: Pictured at the Faughan Valley are Chelsea pensioners Paddy Fox (left) and Walter Swann from the Royal Hospital Chelsea who helped plant some of the first trees to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War as part of the Woodland Trust's Centenary Woods project. A Centenary Wood in the beautiful Faughan Valley is springing to life thanks to local people and visitors who rallied to plant the first of 40,000 native trees. Part of the Woodland Trust's Centenary Woods project, 'Brackfield Wood' is one of just four flagship woods being created throughout the UK to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Picture: Michael Cooper

Despite the cool autumn day those who took part planted the first of 40,000 native trees as part of the ongoing living tribute to the dead of World War 1, spearheaded by the Woodland Trust. Brackfield Wood, where the Centenary Wood was officially launched in April by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, is one of just four flagship woods being created throughout the UK to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

On Saturday local man Stanley McMinn planted the first tree in memory of his uncle, Private Edmund Gray who died at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. During the visit by Princess Anne Mr McMinn spoke animatedly with the Princess about his uncle and this large display of memorabilia.

As part of the first planting event, Chelsea pensioners Paddy Fox and Walter Swann from the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and Woodland staff, dressed in period costume, added a rich splash of colour to the event.

Joanna Boyd, Chairman, The Royal British Legion (Waterside Branch), pictured with Chelsea Pensioners Walter Smyth and Paddy Fox, during Saturday's tree planting at Brackfield Woods. At front centre are Calum Boyd (7) and Kyle Walker (7). INLS4514MC028

A second planting ceremony will take place today, Wednesday, when the Mayor will be assisted by members of Mencap, as more trees and bulbs, including poppies, are planted to commemorate the lives of those from Northern Ireland who lost their lives in The Great War.