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Children recently planted the first trees forming a giant forest eye in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, joining representatives from Forestry England, arts organisation 'Sand In Your Eye', and the Environment Agency on a unique project set to create the largest living forest feature in England.

The 300m-wide eye will be planted with 5,000 beech, alder and maple trees in the shape of a child’s eye marked out on an existing clearing in the forest. The Forest Eye is being created to focus attention on climate change and show the important role of resilient forests in tackling it, as well as highlighting children’s ideas for a flourishing future natural environment.

Working with 'Sand In Your Eye' in a forest for the first time, the feature will be visible from the air in six years as the trees mature and will be carefully managed as an integral part of Dalby Forest. The forest covers more than 3,500 hectares in the North York Moors National Park and welcomes 450,000 day visits each year. The forest eye will engage visitors and spark conversation as it changes and grows, at a time when people are feeling the urgent crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

The broadleaf tree species of beech, alder and maple, which will create the eye shape, have been carefully selected to grow well in the soils on the site and are expected to thrive as the climate changes. Once established, the forest eye will grow alongside the mixed broadleaf and conifer trees of the Dalby Forest landscape providing habitat for wildlife including bats, birds and small mammals, as well as capturing carbon, improving air quality and offering a beautiful place for people to explore and connect with the natural world.

Josephine Lavelle, Forestry England Director, said: “Hearing some of the children’s lively conversations as they planted the very first trees to create this forest eye has reminded me of their deep understanding of the need to act now for nature’s recovery and their immense enthusiasm to be co-creators of a better future. Having the gaze of a child growing in the heart of this beautiful and ever-changing forest is a powerful symbol of how we need to listen and respond to the needs and vision of future generations.

“As the country’s largest land manager, we plan, plant and care for the nation’s forests and woodlands, thinking way beyond our own lifetimes to ensure forest landscapes flourish a hundred years ahead for people, wildlife and a sustainable economy. This wonderful living artwork embodies this important idea of today’s actions being guided by future needs.”

For further information, visit www.forestryengland.uk.