A PIONEERING new woodland near York has won support from publisher and entrepreneur Felix Dennis.

Mr Dennis, who owns Dennis Publishing, responsible for publishing more than 50 magazines, website and apps, including The Week, Men’s Fitness and Cyclist magazines, has given £5,000 to Three Hagges Jubilee Wood Trust at Escrick.

Mr Dennis, a trustee of the Heart of England Forest Ltd Charity, was thanked by Rosalind Forbes Adam, who designed and masterminded the wood with her son Beilby.

“I was lucky enough to meet Felix when he came to Leeds last autumn for his Did I Mention The Free Wine? poetry event and was able to tell him briefly about what we have done, and what we are trying to achieve, at our wood,” she said. “He has subsequently been very supportive, which has been a great boost for us.

“Our goal is to raise the bar for beauty and ecological diversity in the creation of new woodland, as well as for the community to enjoy surroundings which will feature wildflowers, fine grasses and meandering pathways.”