Long Eaton Scarlet Willow

This is one of The Tree Council’s 60 educational tree planting schemes with children that were inspired by the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Each tree, provided by The Tree Council, was chosen and planted by volunteers in the community.

Tree Wardens, staff and students, past and present, from the Long Eaton School helped the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, William Tucker, plant a special tree to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Assisting him were Headteacher Neil Calvert, Tree Warden Barbara James, who is the school’s Eco-Interact Club Coordinator, and Eco-Interact President Daisy Kelsey. Rotarian Alan Wiggins, who was a student at the school during the Coronation 60 years ago, and Milly Dainty, one of the school’s youngest students, also helped to plant the prestigious tree – a scarlet willow.

Erewash Borough Council Tree Warden Martyn Maxted, staff from Initial and gardeners from Woodland Landscapes Ltd prepared the ground for planting.

Scarlet willow (Salix alba ‘Chermesina’), also called coral-bark willow, has bright orange twigs in winter when it becomes a conspicuous, fine waterside tree, reaching a height of 28 metres. In winter sunlight, the tree is like a giant flame.

Barbara James said, “This tree will look really lovely as a memento of the Diamond Jubilee and will also create a bit of local history.”

Photographs - top to bottom:

1. 1. Year 10 environment student Tan Dhlakama with the Lord Lieutenant, William Tucker.
2. 2. Milly Dainty (front) with Headteacher Neil Calvert, former student Alan Wiggins, the Lord Lieutenant and Daisy Kelsey, President of Eco-Interact.
3. 3. Local history in the making: guests, students and staff gather together for the official planting.