AN OFFICIAL campaign is being launched tonight to save 900 acres of ancient Gwent woodland.

As revealed in yesterday's Argus, the UK's biggest woodland charity, the Woodland Trust, is spearheading a bid to raise £100,000 so it can buy nearly a third of Wentwood Forest, which dates back to the Dark Ages.

The woodland, which is currently managed by commercial operators, is up for sale.

The trust fears its unique characteristics will be lost forever if it is sold on permanently to commercial operators and it wants local people to help.

But agent Colin Gee, of John Clegg and Company, the firm acting for the sellers, told the Argus he did not believe the woodland was "under threat".

He said: "It will undoubtedly remain as woodland. A commercial forestry operation will continue to manage it and would have to adhere to Forestry Commission guidelines."

However, a Woodland Trust spokesman said if commercial operating continued, with a practice of clear felling and replanting of conifers, "the remaining broadleaf woodland will be lost forever".

The spokesman said: "Some seed banks remain and if we can take ownership we can work on restoring the woodland to some of its former glory."

The land, worth an estimated £1.3 million, is home to 75 species of birds, as well as ancient varieties of flowers and other plant life.

The trust already has £500,000 in reserves for the sale and if it can raise another £100,000, the door will be open for the rest of the cash it needs in the form of government and lottery grants.

A meeting is scheduled tonight at Caerwent Village Hall, where the appeal will be officially launched and supporters will rally around.

Tim Gwynder Lewis, from Caerleon, has been walking his dog in the forest for 15 years.

He told the Argus he wanted to see the land come under the control of the trust.

"I feel the Woodland Trust will do what is right for the forest, as opposed to a buyer who is looking for a return on his or her money," said the 60-year-old father of two, who lives in Lodge Hill.

He said: "The forest is of historic interest and it needs to be in the right hands.

"It's a magical place to spend time. There are foxes and deer. My two daughters grew up visiting these woods. As soon as I saw it was for sale, I telephoned the trust to find out more details.

"It would be a terrible shame if it fell into the wrong hands."

The public meeting starts at 7pm in Caerwent Village Hall.

If you want to help, there's no need to send money now, simply fill in the pledge form in today's Argus and send it to the address provided. The trust will contact you when they need the money.

For more information, call Kavita Heyn on 0117 927 2337 or email kavitaheyn@woodland-trust.org.uk. You can also visit the trust's website at www.savewentwoodforest.org.uk