Penrith Rotary responds to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy Appeal

On Wednesday 23rd November, 420 native British trees will be planted in Penrith. The planting has been organised by Penrith Rotary in response to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy Appeal by the Woodland Trust. This gives individuals and community groups the opportunity to acquire and plant trees in honour of the Queen’s service and legacy she built.

Penrith Town Council has made land available for the trees at Thacka Field at the south end of the town and Fairhill at the northern end. Creating native species woodland in public spaces improves their amenity value and improves the biodiversity of plants and wildlife. Each tree planted also brings benefits to climate change now and in the future.

The Rotary Club invited 4Eden, a local learning disability charity, to plant the trees, for a donation, alongside Club members.

The first sapling will be planted at Thacka Field at 9.30am by John Shorter, the president of the Penrith Rotary club, Charlie Shepherd, the Mayor of Penrith and Jacqui Taylor, the Chief officer of 4Eden.

John Shorter says he is delighted that the Penrith Rotary had been successful in responding to the Diamond Jubilee appeal to plant community woodland which would bring so many benefits for years to come. He also wished to thank the Town Council and 4Eden who had made the tree planting possible.

Charlie Shepherd said the Town Council had given its full support and a green grant to the project because of its clear benefits to the community and the environment. It was also in tune with the council’s approach to biodiversity and sustainability.

Jacqui Taylor said that 4Eden is proud to support our local community and thanks Penrith Rotary Club for offering their Fixit4Eden team the opportunity to plan the trees. She added that the Fixit4Eden team are members of 4Eden who are keen to learn and work in their local community, demonstrating that people with learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum can achieve great things together, supporting each other, pulling together as a team and leaving a legacy for the future

NOTES: Thacka Field is located off Tynefield Drive at the south end of Penrith. GR 352056 529574. What three words; adopt.telephone.rezoning.

The five species of tree being planted are: Hazel, Holly, Crab Apple, Hawthorne, Goat Willow and Downy Birch. These native trees are well suited to our climate. The trees come as saplings with a supporting cane and protective cover. Penrith Town Council will maintain the trees.

Following the death of the Queen and the wishes of the King, the Woodland Trust initiative is extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity in memoriam to honour the Queen.