Tree planted at special ceremony to mark Platinum Jubilee

Harborough District Council’s Vice-Chairman, Councillor Neil Bannister planted a special Queen Elizabeth Acer tree at the public park in Devitt Way, as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC). 

The tree planting initiative has been created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, and invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

The National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) invited Civic Leaders across the country to plant a tree on 11 March 2022 to mark this very special occasion. The date was chosen for this event as it is the 70th day of the year in which The Queen marks the 70th anniversary of her accession.

Cllr Bannister said: “This is a really unique initiative and I was delighted to be joined by a ward councillor, members of Broughton Astley Parish Council and volunteers to plant this special tree. The Platinum Jubilee is a hugely significant occasion and it is really exciting that so many trees are being planted across the district, and the UK, which is also great for wildlife and the environment.”

Joining the Vice-Chairman was Joe Johnson who, along with the help and support of volunteers from Broughton Astley Volunteer Group (BAVG) and Harborough Woodland Community Volunteers have, since November 2021, planted an additional 2,500 tree and hedge whips in Broughton Astley and surrounding villages – all to support the local environment, wildlife and to help future generations.  The hedge whips were donated by Leicestershire County Council (LCC) and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire, Alberto Costa, also joined the ceremony.

Alberto Costa MP said: “As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, I was delighted to join Harborough District Council Vice Chairman Cllr Neil Bannister in the planting of a special Queen Elizabeth Acer tree in Broughton Astley in the Queen’s honour. The Queen has devoted her life to civic duty and has always been steadfast in her dedication and service to our country, and in the 70th year of her reign it is right that we give thanks and show our appreciation for many tireless years on the throne.”

Harborough District Council, as part of its commemorations for the Platinum Jubilee, has been planting 70 trees across the district. 70 Queen Elizabeth II Rose plants have already been planted in the Memorial Garden in Market Harborough to mark this special occasion. 

Pictured: Vice Chairman of HDC Cllr Neil Bannister pictured with Alberto Costa MP, ward councillor Mark Graves, three members of the Parish Council, the Parish manager, the chairman of the Broughton Astley Volunteer Group, Joe Johnson (the local tree warden) and members of the public.