CIVIC leaders are to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year by recreating a Victorian-style woodland and walkway.

Newent wants to join in the nationwide celebrations in 2012 by planting 60 oak trees for every year of her reign and opening up the existing woods.

Town councillors hope to get local children involved in the project to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

The Government is creating an additional bank holiday on Tuesday June 5 and moving another so the nation can enjoy four days of celebrations.

But Newent councillors would prefer a permanent reminder that can will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Councillor Barry Wellington has drawn up plans to plant trees, create a two kilometre walkway and open up council-owned woods around the lake.

"I wanted to do something for the Jubilee and that did not involve years of work and applying for half a million pounds grants that take years to come through," he said.

"This is something we can get started on straight away and then add to it if we get additional funds.

"It will restore a forgotten part of the lake, improve the entrance into town and take the pressure off when they build those 200 new houses at Oak Park."

The council has received numerous complaints since a large area between Lakeside and the bypass was cut down because the trees had become old and dangerous.

The new plan involves replacing the felled Sycamore and Ash trees with 60 Oaks supplied by nursery owner Mr Wellington and planted by local children.

He also wants to open out the woodlands stretching from the current clear felled area to the Cleeve Mill Business Park where Two Rivers Housing hope to set up a new HQ.

Wide tracks, including a Jubilee Walkway following the line of the bypass, will be created amongst the existing Ash trees and there will be a central clearing to let the daylight in.

Coun Wellington, who owns Elmcroft nurseries, also wants to explore the possibility of re-opening part of the old Hereford canal as a pond dipping area for children.

He admits residents had a major shock when the trees to the rear of their houses were recently felled following complaints of branches falling down.

But says it was necessary part of a five year masterplan drawn up with tree experts who said the Victorian woodland was coming to the end of its natural life

Mayor David Blick is backing the scheme drawn up by Councillor Wellington who is chairman of the amenities and recreation committee.

"Unfortunately we will not see the full benefit because it will take time for the trees to grow," he said. "But our grandchildren will be able to benefit in the same way we benefited from those planted during Victorian times."