Planting is set to get underway on the creation of a new 347-hectare (858-acre) native woodland near St Albans, Hertfordshire, after the scheme was given the go ahead by the Forestry Commission.

The commission has approved an environment statement submitted earlier this year by the Woodland Trust, which will see more than 600,000 native broadleaf trees planted as part of the Heartwood Forest scheme. Heartwood Forest will be the largest site in England operated by the Woodland Trust, providing publicly accessible green space for more than 250,000 people living within a 10km (6.2-mile) radius, as well as a hub for active recreation.

Toby Bancroft, Heartwood project manager, said: "We propose to retain views at key points, with most planting scheduled for the main ridge and site plateau, glades creating a wood pasture effect on lower slopes and graded woodland edges lessening the impact from roads and for those living nearby. "Our environment statement consent by the Forestry Commission was a culmination of comments, opinions and consideration of issues, raised with the local population and a wide range of organisations to help shape proposals."