A WOODLAND charity now owns most of Wales' largest ancient forest, after raising more than ?1.5m in just five months.The Woodland Trust yesterday announced it had bought the first 444 acres of Wentwood Forest in Newport and Monmouthshire.
And it says it hopes to exchange contracts on the remaining 426 acres by the end of 2005.
Wentwood Forest, believed to be the largest remaining ancient wood in Wales, went on sale on the open market earlier this year.
After launching a public campaign to purchase it in June, the Trust has had to purchase the land in two blocks as it is buying them from two different owners, a family trust and an investment trust.
Jon Winder, who now manages part of Wentwood Forest on behalf of the Woodland Trust, said, "This is great news for Wentwood, and for local people in Newport and Monmouthshire."
More than 15,000 people backed the appeal to save Wentwood Forest, including celebrities such as Dame Judi Dench, TV weather girl Sian Lloyd, writer Bill Bryson, and TV presenter Tony Robinson
Mr Winder added, "We are planning a major public celebration event in May next year”.