PART of ancient Epping Forest land was temporarily renamed “Foguang Forest” to celebrate the planting of 4,500 new trees by a Chinese Buddhist community.

Since 2007 members of the Fo Guang Temple in central London have raised more than £5,000 to fund the planting of saplings in an area next to Abridge Road in Theydon Bois.

The Buddhists, in partnership with the Woodland Trust which owns the land, say they hope the new woods will provide somewhere for future generations to enjoy and appreciate nature.

Last week the final crop of trees were planted at the site with Guides, Brownies, representatives from Essex County Council and Theydon Bois Parish Council all turning out in force to celebrate the event.

Head of the community Chueh Ru said: "This is a special moment for 'East meets West' - the first time a Buddhist community founded in the Far East has planted trees in the west, and the first time for London Fo Guang Shan to come from the West End of London to Theydon Bois to plant trees.

“We want children and communities to experience being close to nature with woods and trees, and we want them to take action for the environment, ensuring woodlands are there for future generations to enjoy."

The woods, which are 15 minutes walk from Theydon Bois tube station, are free and open to the public all year round.

The 79 acre site was bought in 2006 by the Woodland Trust with funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Countryside Agency, Forestry Commission and the Green Arc initiative, which aims to protect the countryside around London.