Cheltenham Borough Council is looking for green-fingered volunteers to help it plant trees at four locations across the town, in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III has extended The Queen's Green Canopy initiative to the end of March 2023, giving Gloucestershire residents an opportunity to plant a tree in memory of the much-loved monarch following her death in September 2022.
The initiative aims to create a 'living legacy' for Her Majesty that will benefit future generations, with 1,000 native trees set to be planted in Cheltenham from mid-November 2022 to January 2023.
Species include common oak, damson, elder, field maple, hawthorn, hornbeam, poplar, scotts pine, silver birch, wild cherry and wild pear.
Planting sessions are taking place from 10am to 1pm at Swindon Village on Wednesday 16 November 2022; Clyde Crescent on Friday 9 December 2022; Chargrove on Monday 9 January 2023; and Queen Elizabeth II playing field on Tuesday 24 January 2023.
Councillor Iain Dobie, cabinet member for waste, recycling and street services at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: 'We’re pleased to support The Queen’s Green Canopy, which will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.
'Cheltenham is well known for its beautiful trees and we hope to inspire a new generation of individuals and communities to plant, protect and promote urban trees in our town.'
Councillor David Gray, cabinet member responsible for the environment for Gloucestershire County Council, added: 'We’re delighted to be able to work in collaboration with Cheltenham Borough Council to support a project which will bring many benefits to the local community and wildlife.
'These new trees will create an area for many generations to cherish, that will help everyone to appreciate the environment and learn how trees can help with climate change.'
For more information, or to volunteer to plant trees, email Lucy Wise at greenspacedevelopment@cheltenham.gov.uk.
