Over 500 trees have now been planted in a new woodland area at The Hook local nature reserve in Lady Bay in West Bridgford as part of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Free Tree scheme.
The mixed age range of trees now makes up Jubilee Wood, a collection of English Oak, Alder, Bird Cherry and also Hawthorn, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Field Maple, White Willow and Guelder Rose.
It commemorates the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and seven English Oak trees up to four metres tall have also been planted to represent each decade of the Her Majesty’s Reign.
It’s all part of the authority’s free tree scheme which gives out free trees each year and allows community groups such as The Friends of the Hook in Lady Bay to apply for new trees to create greener and more sustainable environments.
The Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan visited the site to take a look at the extensive new planting and meet Friends of the Hook Chairman Jeff Mackintosh and volunteer Jane Browne.
Streetwise grounds maintenance team planted the trees and Streetwise Manager Luke Colaluca was on hand to join the group with Council representatives Paul Phillips and Tom Pettit.
Cllr Brennan said: “This latest project here at the Hook is just one example of local groups helping our communities to be even more carbon clever and creating a greener place to live.
“Our Streetwise team have done a fantastic job planting these 500 trees and seven English Oak trees. I can’t wait to see them flourish over the years and also be another place in the Borough where residents can reflect on the reign of Her Majesty.
“The Friends of the Hook are among those who do so much to enhance and protect local green spaces and we thank them for their continued dedication and enthusiasm in supporting these projects.”
Chair of the Friends of the Hook Jeff Mackintosh said: “Thank you to the Council and Streetwise for providing and planting 500 trees at the Hook site. We’re delighted and can’t wait to see them grow in the coming months and years!
“Trees provide so many environmental benefits as they capture and store carbon from the atmosphere, which in turn will help to tackle climate change as well as encourage more wildlife in the area.
“The platinum jubilee woodland is also a great tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II for 70 years of loyal service to our country. Sadly, due to her passing, it also acts as a fitting memorial to her reign.”
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