A ROCK star will bring a 'kind of magic' to Bere Regis with new woodland plans.

Legendry Queen guitarist Brian May will visit the Dorset village today (11) to discuss plans for a woodland site in the area which he has recently brought.

The 'We will Rock You' star will be presenting ideas for a woodland planting scheme at the 155 acre site, to the south of the village, between Bere Regis and Black Hill, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. (SSSI) The land was previously used for agriculture.

Dr May, who gained his Phd from Imperial College in astrophysics in 2007, will be at a meeting in Drax Hall on North Street this evening from 7pm to 9pm to present his ideas together with his managing agents and representatives from the Forestry Commission.

People can view the proposals beforehand from 3pm to 7pm.

Dr May will talk about his 'passion for this project' and the 'wide ranging benefits' of his proposed woodland creation scheme- which involves the gradual transformation of intensive agricultural land to woodland and wildlife reserve.

A spokesman for Dr May said: “To prepare for this, Dr May is keen to hear from all local neighbours and stakeholders on his proposals and has invited all residents of the village to the open day.”

The guitarist, writer and singer, is also known for his work promoting animal welfare and set up 'Save Me,' a group which takes its name from the same-titled Queen song.

The group campaigns for the protection of all animals against unnecessary, cruel and degrading treatment - with a particular emphasis on preventing hunting of foxes and the culling of badgers.

Jenette Woodhouse, from the Royal Oak Hotel in Bere Regis, said she would be going along to hear the plans. She said: “We will be interested to go along and see what he is proposing.”

Chairman of Bere Regis Parish Council Ian Ventham said he had already seen the proposals and that he thought the whole village would be supportive.

He said: “He's planning to change the agricultural land to woodland, which is fantastic - it's great.

“We are delighted with that.”

Mr Ventham said that the woodland could take a long time to establish but that it was 'none the less welcome.'

He added that he was looking forward to meeting Dr May. He said: “I'm pretty sure the village as a whole will welcome the plans.”

Ncatherine.bolado@dorsetecho.co.uk PANEL Woodland Planting Scheme Consultation Today (Mon 11) at Drax Hall, North Street in Bere Regis.

From 3pm - 7pm - Villagers are invited to view the proposals From 7pm - 9pm - There will be a formal presentation involving Managing agents UPM Tilhill, the Forestry Commission and owner Dr. Brian May.