The new scheme follows the huge success of the WOYD project at Hartford, where villagers from Hartford and Weaverham helped to raise £15,000 to set up new community woodlands.

"The trust is quite frankly amazed by the phenomenal response to the Hartford and Weaverham plan," said project co-ordinator Suzanne Crowther.

"So when we heard that this land was up for auction, we stepped in with a flat-rate bid before it went under the hammer."

The 80-acre site, which is just north of Delamere village, has now been sold to the trust, and plans to raise funds for the planting are already under way.

"The difference in this case is that Delamere is a much smaller community than Hartford and Weaverham," said Suzanne.

"So we probably couldn't depend on all the funds coming from local villagers. To this end, we have managed to secure several very large grants which should bring in most of the funds we need."

Among the bodies helping out with grants are the Countryside Commission, the Millennium Commission, the Forestry Commission and the Sainsbury Family Trust.

"There may still be a shortfall, though," said Suzanne.

"And if there is, we would be delighted if the local people could help out. But we only want to ask them if we have to."

The WOYD project is designed to bring small, manageable woodlands to village communities.

The Hartford wood, which should be christened next month after a public meeting, will feature nature trails, wildlife reserves, and woodland sculpture.

"To be honest, we just didn't expect the kind of response we got on that project - we were overwhelmed," said Suzanne.

"There aren't many areas that take to the challenge as well as they did. We hope that the trend continues with this new plan."

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