Laurie Lee’s wood opened to the public on author’s 99th birthday

Hikers have been granted access to woodland owned by beloved British author Laurie Lee on what would have been his 99th birthday. Conservationists in Gloucestershire, England purchased Trantershill Wood in the Slad Valley for $54,000 (£35,000) after an appeal earlier this year (13), and now the three-hectare site has opened to the public.
Lee, who was born on 26 June, 1914, wrote about the wood in his 1959 novel Cider With Rosie. He died in 1997 and is buried nearby.
The author’s daughter, Jessy, tells the BBC, “Today’s event is about celebrating the joy of the natural world, and securing Laurie’s beloved woods for future generations to enjoy. My mother and I are delighted that this special part of our threatened valley is in now in such safe hands.”