Walsall Persian Ironwood
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.
One of the principal aims of the Walsall Tree Warden group is to involve the borough’s young people in as many tree-based activities as possible, so the opportunity to participate in such an important event as the Jubilee Diamond Tree planting was perfect.
Historically, Walsall is an industrial town at the heart of the Midlands conurbation, famous for the manufacture of leather goods. The town has seen many changes, both in industry and population, yet its green spaces remain an important feature. Since Victorian times, Walsall Arboretum, covering some 175 acres, has been a much-loved local park stretching from the centre of the town to the surrounding green belt. What better location to plant a Diamond Tree commemorating such an historic event.
On Friday 8th February 2013 local dignitaries and residents gathered to witness the planting of a Persian ironwood by the Director-General of The Tree Council, Pauline Buchanan Black. This was an additional celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee following the planting of 60 sweet chestnut trees in the park the previous year.
Before planting the ironwood, Pauline praised the borough for its positive support of tree planting and congratulated the local Tree Wardens on their successful application for this, one of only 60 of these special trees donated nationwide by The Tree Council.
To the delight of all attending this memorable occasion, pupils and staff of Chuckery School gave an animated presentation in appreciation of their park and the importance of trees in our lives.
Alongside the Jubilee tree, they also buried a time capsule containing written memories of
the arboretum, both
from themselves and
from older residents of the town.
On behalf of Walsall Tree Wardens and the Walsall Arboretum User Group, Jackie Cocken and Jo Lester thanked Pauline for travelling from London to take part in the planting. They explained that the Persian ironwood had been chosen because its variety of colour at different times of the year would give great pleasure to park visitors and because it was the only example in the borough.
Photographs - top to bottom:
- 1. Keith Stone, Deputy Director Neighbourhood Services, and Councillor Rose Martin.
- 2. Junior Tree Wardens bury the time capsule.
- 3. Students, local residents and dignitaries gather for the Jubilee Diamond Tree planting ceremony.
- 4. Pauline Buchanan Black, Director-General of The Tree Council, plants the ironwood tree.
- 5. Chuckery Junior Tree Wardens with some of the letters they used to spell out the word “arboretum” during their presentation.