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Earlier today (Thursday 26 January) the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset, Ted Allen, joined North Somerset Council chairperson, Karin Haverson, to plant an oak tree at Ashcombe Park in Weston-super-Mare in memory of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The tree, sourced from Chew Valley Trees, has been planted with a commemorative plaque just yards away from two English oak trees planted to mark other royal occasions. The first was planted in 1902, the year Ashcombe Park opened, to commemorate the Coronation of King Edward. The second was planted in January 2022 as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy national initiative to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Various dignitaries attended the event, including the Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset, Gloria Craig; The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Sonia Russe; North Somerset Council’s Leader Cllr Steve Bridger; executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, Cllr Mike Solomon; local ward councillor, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley; officers from the natural environment team and employees of contractors Glendale.
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen in September 2022, The Queen’s Green Canopy announced an extension to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty. The council is encouraging others to plant trees to celebrate the Queen's jubilee.
In 2021, the council successfully applied to the government's Local Authority Treescapes Fund for funding to plant 3,000 smaller trees and 150 larger ones in local communities across the area. It sought the help of town and parish councils with planting and looking after the trees, and offered each council at least one standard tree which could be used for The Queen’s Green Canopy scheme.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset, Ted Allen, said: “It is a privilege to witness the planting of this oak tree today to commemorate the 70 years of the reign of Her Majesty, The Queen. This tree, alongside the two other oaks planted in the park, is a wonderful memory of her tireless dedication to service, her inspirational leadership and the dignity with which she devoted her life to her duty throughout her time as our Queen”.
Cllr Karin Haverson, North Somerset Council's Chairperson, said: “The planting of this great English oak is a fitting way to pay tribute and give thanks for Her Majesty's many years of dedicated service. This tree, and The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, leaves a legacy in memory of the Queen’s long reign for generations to come. It also has a positive impact on the environment and helps to counter the damaging effects of climate change”.
To find out more about The Queen’s Green Canopy and how to get involved visit www.queensgreencanopy.org.
