Final tree planted in Wiltshire as part of royal initiative

On a wintry morning on Monday (27 November) a Sylvatica 'Dawyck Purple' Beech was planted outside the front of County Hall in Trowbridge to mark the Coronation of HM King Charles III in May. The tree was funded by the Queen's Green Canopy initiative, as its last action, providing one tree to each Lieutenancy in the country.

The Queen's Green Canopy was a unique tree planting programme launched to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and to create a legacy in honour of The Queen's 70 years of service. Following the wishes of His Majesty The King, The Queen's Green Canopy initiative was extended to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty. Across Swindon and Wiltshire more than 30,000 trees have been planted as part of programme, which has now formally come to an end.

Attendees of the short ceremony included the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Sarah Troughton; the Vice Chairman of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Andrew Davis; Leader of Wiltshire Council Leader Cllr Richard Clewer and members of the council's cabinet.

Mrs Troughton said: It was fitting to plant the last tree of this wonderful initiative in the county town of Wiltshire. This started out as a celebration of Her Late Majesty's incredible reign, and now each of the planted trees represent a poignant legacy that will be around for generations to come.

It's been a privilege to attend many planting ceremonies across the county and I thank everyone who has contributed to the scheme's tremendous success.

More information about the Wiltshire Lieutenancy can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/.

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