Queen's 'Green Canopy' Tree Planting
During this year's National Tree Week, the community of Lanreath Parish recently planted an English oak tree (Quercus robur) in the grounds of the Village Hall as part of the Queen's 'Green Canopy' Jubilee Year celebrations. This was initiated by Cllr Sue Cave, the Parish Council's Environment lead, who, in collaboration with the 'Forest for Cornwall Project', secured the donation of the tree as part of the Project's 'Landmark Tree' initiative. The Village Hall Committee kindly granted permission for the tree to be planted in the grounds of the Village Hall where it will be readily accessible to the whole community. On the day, the event was jointly organised by the Parish Council and the Lanreath Gardening Group and the Gardening Group have agreed to look after the tree as it grows. Some of the youngest members of our community from the Lanreath 'Ladybirds' pre-school toddler group were enthusiastic participants in the tree planting and, if they had their way, would still be there digging! The event was made even more special by the participation of Group Captain Mike Trace OBE DL, who, at very short notice, attended the tree planting celebration on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, the Queen's representative in Cornwall.
The tree could live for over 300 years. Which means that, if we look after it, our great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandchildren will be still be able to play under its canopy. The oak tree also supports the largest variety of wildlife species of any tree in Britain from butterflies and moths to birds, bats, insects and fungi. 2,300 different species are supported by oak, with 326 species depending on oak for survival. 229 species are rarely found on trees other than oak. So, planting the tree was not only a splendid way to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee but, over the years, it should also help support the ecology of the area. A separate dedication, where the tree will be marked with a plaque, will take place in early June of next year to coincide with wider community celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee. It should have some leaves on it by then!