A NEW wood will be sprouting soon in North Craven in memory of a retired school teacher's late wife.

Keith Bradshaw, of Dale Bank, Ingleton, provided the Woodland Trust charity with the funds to buy 17 acres of land to plant with indiginous trees to create Edith's Wood at Far Westhouse.

Pupils from six schools throughout North Craven will plant the ash, oak and rowan trees next week.

Mrs Bradshaw, who died seven years ago, used to teach geography at Casterton School, where her husband taught physics and chemistry.

The couple enjoyed walking and shared an interest in conservation.

Mr Bradshaw said: "She would be delighted. She was a geographer and presumably it will be "Edith's Wood" on the OS map.

"I like planting trees and I tried to get some land from Craven District Council and tried to get grants and it always seemed to be so much paperwork so I thought the only thing to do would be to buy some land myself."

Edith's Wood will be cared for and managed by the Woodland Trust and will be freely open for local people to enjoy peaceful walks and watch the trees grow into maturity.

The long-term project will not only benefit the people of Ingleton today, but will be a permanent natural legacy for the village.

"By involving so many local children, the Woodland Trust hopes everyone in the area will take the woodland to their hearts."

There will be a walk through the wood and a seat at the high point which will be clear of trees so people can enjoy the views to Ingleborough.

Children from Ingleton Middle School and primary schools in Ingleton, High Bentham, Clapham, Burton-in-Lonsdale and Low Bentham will plant trees with the Woodland Trust and Mr Bradshaw on Thursday.

Around 13,000 trees will be planted and it is anticiapted around 4,000 will reach maturity.

Judith Stuttard, of the Woodland Trust, said the charity was very grateful to Mr Bradshaw for his generosity.

She said: "We are keen to look forward and think long term. These local youngsters will be the future custodians of Edith's Wood and this special day will afford the opportunity for a whole new generation to revisit the wood in years to come and show their own children and grandchildren the very trees they planted themselves."