Two young oaks grown from acorns from Mametz Wood on the Somme have been planted at Aberglasney Gardens.

The acorns were collected in 2017 by Roli Jones, originally from Tumble, whilst on a charity cycle ride to the area in northern France.

The Battle of Mametz Wood was the first major offensive of World War One for many Welsh soldiers.

During a bloody five-day battle, the 38th (Welsh) Division paved the way for control of the woodland - nearly a mile wide and more than a mile deep.

This victory came at great cost; 3,993 Welsh soldiers were killed, wounded or listed as missing, putting their division out of action for almost a year.

The capture of Mametz Wood was however of great importance to the Battle of the Somme where Allied forces would fight the Germans on a 16-mile front for five months.

The two oaks grown from the Mametz Wood acorns have now been planted in Aberglasney’s Jubilee Woodland Garden and will hopefully, over time, grow and mature.

Joseph Atkin, Head Gardener at Aberglasney, said: “We are honoured to have been asked to plant the oaks at Aberglasney.

"They will now serve as a long-lasting memorial to the Welsh soldiers who were killed or wounded in the Battle of Mametz.”

The charity cycle ride, during which the acorns were collected, was organised by White Rock Events on behalf of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

Verity Harding, Events Manager at SSAFA, said: “Through planting a part of Mametz Wood at Aberglasney, Roli has ensured that the events of 100 years ago are remembered today both at the Somme and in Wales.

"The courage shown by so many can now be remembered by those visiting the Gardens and the link between Mametz Wood and Aberglasney is brilliant to see.”

For more information visit aberglasney.org.