Tree planted in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at County Hall

Wiltshire Council has planted trees at its three main council offices as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative and to commemorate the reign of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton attended a tree planting ceremony at County Hall in Trowbridge on Monday 13 March 2023 and planted a Hornbeam tree. Also in attendance were Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Chairman of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council.

The ceremony was part of The Queen's Green Canopy, which is 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 has been extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty. Across Swindon and Wiltshire over 30,000 tress have been planted as part of the The Queen's Green Canopy.

Trees have also been planted at Wiltshire Council's other office; Monkton Park, Chippenham and Bourne Hill, Salisbury.

Mrs Troughton said: The trees planted at County Hall, Bourne Hill and Monkton Park are a fitting memorial to Her late Majesty who served our country for over 70 years, and they will be enjoyed by visitors and staff members for many years to come.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: By planting trees throughout the country, The Queen's Green Canopy initiative aims to highlight the importance of trees and woodland as natural methods to clean the air that we breathe, reduce climate change and create habitats for wildlife.

We have planted these trees to create a lasting memorial to Her Majesty and we hope they will bring joy to the community long into the future.

There is still time for people to get involved in the Queen's Green Canopy before the end of the planting season. This is a project that will enhance our local environments while leaving a lasting legacy.

Any trees planted as part of the project can to be added to the QGC Map, which will create a digital record of the green canopy of tree planting projects across the country, https://queensgreencanopy.org/map-education-hub/qgc-map/#/ (opens new window).

More information about the Queen's Green Canopy initiative and how you can get involved is available at the website The Queen's Green Canopy (queensgreencanopy.org) (opens new window).