Diamond Jubilee Oaks for Braintree
Braintree Tree Wardens are central to their district’s plans to plant special trees for the future to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Through its Jubilee Oaks initiative, Braintree District Council has offered all its parishes and wards a free commemorative tree. Many are being planted at community events during National Tree Week. Each oak is approximately 1.5m tall with a 12-to -14cm stem – so it will make an immediate impact in its chosen site.
Tree Wardens have been on hand to work with their parishes to advise on planting sites and aftercare.
Councillor Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for Environment, explained: “Here at the council we’ve thought long and hard about how we could mark the royal occasion in a way that inspires and involves local people; that fits well with our aim to be one of the cleanest and greenest districts in the country and which symbolises the heritage and longevity of the monarchy.
“With the Jubilee Oaks initiative we’ve found a wonderful solution.”
The £20,000 initiative, funded via the council’s Green Heart of Essex campaign, included working in partnership with Essex County Council to deliver Tree Warden training, approval of planting sites, and purchase of trees and stakes.
“We’re delighted that Tree Wardens and communities throughout Braintree are planting the Heritage Trees of the Future,” said Tree Council director-general Pauline Buchanan Black.
“These Jubilee Oaks will provide shelter, shade and wildlife habitat for generations to come whilst marking this significant anniversary in a way that is both visible and beautiful. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee.”
Braintree District Council has also enlisted the services of Tree Council member BTCV to help communities with the tree planting.
Pictured above planting the first of the Jubilee Oaks in Witham are (l-r): Cllr Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for Environment, Braintree District Council; Cllr John Goodman, Witham Town Mayor; Priti Patel MP; Geraldine Goodman; Cllr Janet Money, chairman of Braintree District Council; and Matthew Greenburgh, trustee of The Tree Council.
