The Alder tree was presented to the Park in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher. It was planted at a ceremony also attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of Warrington, volunteers from the Friends of Longbarn park group and local councillors.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “Tree of Trees” sculpture, which was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, stood tall outside Buckingham Palace as a centrepiece of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. The living sculpture sought to put the importance of trees at the heart of the historic milestone to celebrate Her Majesty, who planted over 1,500 trees all over the world during her 70-year reign.
During the summer the trees were cared for by Barcham’s Nursery ahead of distribution at the start of the planting season in October. The trees were gifted evenly across the UK in proportion to the population, with each county receiving at least one tree. The Lord Lieutenants of each county, who are His Majesty The King’s representatives, have been championing the QGC locally and have selected the recipients of the special trees and pot.
Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “Longbarn Park is one of only four locations in Cheshire to receive one of the 300 tree of trees that formed part of the installation at Buckingham palace as part of the legacy in honour of Her Majesty the Queen. It was a huge honour to join the Lord Lieutenant for the planting ceremony.
“This is a fantastic gift for the park – and for Warrington – which will create a green legacy of its own, with every tree planted bringing benefits for people, wildlife and climate, now and for the future.”
The Friends of Longbarn Park, supported by the council, enable volunteering, fostering greater respect and a sense of pride. They provide opportunities for the community to come together improving health and wellbeing and reducing isolation for those living alone. The voluntary commitment by the friends of Longbarn park has led to council investment within the site that has included the refurbishment of the play area. The volunteers have been maintaining the site since their establishment in 2014 and have planted a community orchard and continue to work in partnership with the council to enhance the site for all to enjoy.
Notes to editors
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites everyone across the UK to plant trees. Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and the wishes of His Majesty The King, the initiative will be extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour The Queen.
The Queen's Green Canopy will create a network of individual trees, avenues, copses and whole woodlands in honour of The Queen's service and the legacy she has built.