Digging deep for Jubilee celebrations

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• Digging deep for Jubilee celebrations

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3 February 2012

Dozens of trees are to be planted in Netherseal to give the royal seal of approval to the 60 year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

A total of 55 whips (young trees) will be put in place at the Philip Richardson Memorial Field, in Main Street, and 15 at the recreation ground over the road.
 
Staff and youngsters from the village’s St. Peter's Primary School are among those taking part on Tuesday, February 7.

Cllr Michael Stanton, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, will also be lending a helping hand.

He said: “We thought long and hard about how we could mark the royal occasion in a way that inspires and involves local people.

“Community tree planting fits in well with our aim of becoming an even greener district in the heart of The National Forest while symbolising the longevity of the Queen’s reign.”
 
The tree planting has been organised by the District Council and The National Forest Company in partnership with Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire.
 
Kirsty Youngs, Managing Director at Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire, said: “We were delighted to be given the chance to work in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council to deliver this unique Jubilee planting project. 
 
“It is fantastic that the project has been so well received by the local community and we will be organising many more similar projects throughout Derbyshire in the coming weeks.”

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive of The National Forest Company, said: “When you touch the trunk of a tree which you know was planted 50 or 100 years ago, it is amazing to think of all the people that have done the same thing, or walked past it, or watched it grow. If only the trees could speak!

“Planting for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will show generations to come that in 2012 we were beautifying Netherseal for them. It’s a wonderful way of celebrating the monarch who has served for so many decades, as well as creating the living heritage of the future. The National Forest Company is glad to have supported this commemorative planting in South Derbyshire.”

An array of activities are planned in South Derbyshire over the coming months to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Tree planting will take place at prominent sites alongside main roads in areas surrounding Swadlincote. Picnics in parks, floral displays on roundabouts and lighting beacons are also being considered.

This year’s National Forest Walking Festival from May 19 to 31 will also feature a special walk to commemorate the occasion.