GOOD progress is being made in creating a community wood in Liversedge in memory of former MP Jo Cox, who was murdered three years ago.

Work began to transfer the pasture land at Quaker Lane earlier this year and now the organisation behind the project is appealing for volunteers to help planting hundreds of trees.

Funding through a Biffa Award as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, and from Kirklees Council, has enabled the Spen Valley Civic Society to begin its biggest ever undertaking, turning the 1.5 hectares of land between Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton into a community wood.

The aim is that it will provide a free natural outdoor resource for local people and will celebrate the work and values of Mrs Cox, who was the area's MP from 2015 until her death.

Her family has worked closely with the Civic Society in planning the project and Jo’s sister Kim Leadbeater, ambassador for The Jo Cox Foundation, has been part of the volunteer team.

The wood can be reached from adjoining footpaths and the Spen Valley Greenway cycle route, and will be the only public woodland of its kind in the area. There will be good access into and around the site for disabled visitors.

During the summer, volunteers helped build new paths, gateways, walls and fencing. They installed picnic tables and benches, and cleared brambles, invasive weeds and rubbish.

The Civic Society is now ready for stage two of the project, which is to plant trees and hedging.

Chairman Max Rathmell said: “We are receiving sapling trees via the White Rose Forest initiative, and some hedging plants from the Woodland Trust. These are native species which should thrive in the Spen Valley and provide food and shelter for wildlife.”

In July Spen Valley Civic Society lost one of its members, John Appleyard, who died of cancer. Donations in his memory have been used to buy trees for a small community orchard on part of the site.

Treasurer Colin Berry said: “John spent many hours supporting community groups in the Spen Valley, so it is very fitting that we honour his memory by planting an orchard that will give local people apples and pears.”

The Society is now calling for volunteers to plant around 150 trees and hedging at the site on Sunday, November 24, from 12.30pm.

Volunteers are advised to wear strong boots or wellies, warm old clothes and gloves, and to bring a spade if they can.

For more information call 01274 875262 or go online at svcs.org.uk