Planting a Tree for the Queen’s Jubilee

Published on: 28 Jan, 2022
Updated on: 31 Jan, 2022

Many hands make light work. The mayor gets help to plant the commemorative tree.

Members of the local community took part in a tree-planting ceremony this week (on January 26) at the Sensory Garden at Stoke Park, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

The newly planted sapling will be part of a national network of individual trees, avenues, and copses to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father, George VI, which now is now marked as Accession Day.

Cllr James Steel

Lead councillor for Environment, Cllr James Steel, said: “Our tree in Stoke Park will be part of a green legacy, bringing benefits to the climate and local wildlife for many years to come.

“Since declaring a Climate Emergency in July 2019, we are committed to becoming a net-zero carbon borough by 2030, collaborating closely with partners and communities to tackle it together.

“The Queen’s Green Canopy highlights the significant value of trees and woodlands as nature’s simple but highly effective way to clean the air we breathe and slow the impact of climate change. Our tree will be cared for by our dedicated Parks and Countryside team to ensure it has the best chance of thriving.

“Why not get involved and plant your own tree? From individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, to villagers and schools, anyone can help the environment by planting trees.”

Among the attendees was the Mayor of Guildford, Marsha Moseley who used a ceremonial spade for the planting. The ‘Stoughton Spade’ was commissioned in 1919 to cut the first sod for the Stoughton Housing Scheme. Deputy Mayor Dennis Booth, Council Leader Joss Bigmore, Cllr James Steel, Cllr Cait Taylor (representing the Friends Group) and Cllr John Redpath also attended.

The mayor said: “I’m looking forward to our communities coming together this year to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and her impressive 70-year reign. It’s great we can take part in the national campaign and put Guildford on the tree-planting map today as part of us all celebrating this historic milestone.”

Pupils from Holy Trinity Pewley Down School (HTPD), a primary school in Guildford, were also in attendance.

A year 5 pupil said: “As members of HTPD school’s eco-team, we’re proud to have been chosen for this eco-opportunity to help the mayor plant a tree. We hope it will grow for generations and encourage other people to look after the environment. We’d also like to congratulate our Queen on her platinum jubilee.”

A commemorative plaque has been installed next to the tree to remind generations to come why it was planted. The tree will also be added to the Queen’s Green Map, which will create a digital record of the green canopy of tree planting projects across the country.

GBC is also marking the Queen’s Jubilee by entering Guildford into the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition to gain city status. The #BackourBid campaign has attracted pledges of support from groups and individuals including politicians, the University of Surrey, Surrey County Council, our Business Improvement District, residents, local businesses, local dignitaries and faith groups. You can view our full application here.