DISNEY has announced plans to create a magical wood to form part of the huge new native forest which the Woodland Trust is preparing to plant on the outskirts of St Albans. When completed, Heartwood Forest in Sandridge will cover 858 acres to become the l

DISNEY has announced plans to create a magical wood to form part of the huge new native forest which the Woodland Trust is preparing to plant on the outskirts of St Albans.

When completed, Heartwood Forest in Sandridge will cover 858 acres to become the largest new native forest in England.

Today (Thursday) the Disney Store announced details of its plans to work with the Woodland Trust to create The Magical Wood which will cover 50 acres of the site.

The company will raise funds for the magical woodland with the introduction of specially-designed and reusable 'Earth Day' shopping bags featuring Disney's Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. For every bag sold, �1 will be donated to the Woodland Trust.

The Disney Store will also start to charge for plastic bags and all the revenue will also be given to the Trust to help with the project.

Teresa Tideman, joint managing director of Disney Store Europe, said: "Disney Store is delighted to work with the Woodland Trust to connect children and families with our precious woodland to ensure their natural playground is preserved forever."

She went on to talk about the range of initiatives the company has lined-up to raise funds and educate customers and staff on the importance of trees to the environment.

Karl Mitchell, director of development for the Woodland Trust, added: "We are delighted to unveil Disney Store as the first company to help us create our groundbreaking Heartwood Forest. By working with one of the world's favourite brands we aim to inspire thousands of children to look after the environment, as well as creating a fantastic woodland which will excite generations of children to come."

He added: "The Woodland Trust's woods are free for everyone to visit and we hope this partnership will encourage families to discover the many fun activities they have to offer.