A project to develop a memorial in Gedling Country Park for the UK’s longest-reigning monarch has begun with tree and wildflower planting during National Tree Week, the UK’s largest tree celebration event which also marks the start of the annual tree planting season and is organised by The Tree Council.
Local schoolchildren joined volunteers and council officers on Wednesday (27) to plant five native Acer Campestre trees, aptly named the “Queen Elizabeth” variety. They will be added to the Queen’s Green Canopy, a woodland that was created as part of the former Monarch’s Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
This £10k project, which will also include the creation and installation of two bespoke commemorative benches and an interpretation board, is funded through a number of successful bids, led by the Friends of Gedling Country Park, who secured monies from both the Co-op and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Community Funds, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and local councillors.
Over the course of the next few months, local artist Richard Janes will work with local children and the community to develop ideas for two memorial benches to honour the former Queen. It is anticipated that these benches will be unveiled in June 2025, to coincide with the former Monarch’s official birthday. Richard’s previous contributions to GCP include the large flame sculpture and bespoke benches commemorating the heritage of the former colliery site.
An interpretation board will also be installed, providing visitors with information about the woodland’s history and its connection to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen’s Green Canopy was a unique tree planting initiative that was launched in partnership with The Tree Council to mark the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, encouraging people across the UK to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 70 years of service to the nation.
Cllr Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, said:”We are delighted to see these additions to the Queen’s Canopy.
“Gedling Borough Council would like to thank the Friends of Gedling Country Park for their tireless efforts in securing funding to make this happen.
“The Canopy is a fitting tribute to our late Queen Elizabeth and the new benches will provide visitors with a wonderful space to enjoy the woodland.”
Sarah Benedek, Fundraiser for the Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “My daughter was one of the children who helped with the tree planting to create the Queen’s Canopy in June 2022.
“When Queen Elizabeth II died, sensing the huge loss that the public felt, a vision formed to develop this area of woodland with the addition of memorial benches, more trees and beautiful bluebells.
“Having already worked with Richard Janes on the miners’ memorial sculpture and benches, we know he’ll create something practical, majestic and fitting to commemorate our late Queen and we’re really excited to see how this project unfolds.”
Commenting on the £5,000 worth of Local Communities Funding (LCF) which was allocated to Friends of Gedling Country Park earlier this year, Councillor Scott Carlton, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “We’re delighted to have jointly funded this project. It will be a welcome addition to this popular park and a lovely tribute to our much-loved late queen.
“LCF is all part of our continued commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable communities by financially supporting community groups and charities We hope this investment will encourage even more people to enjoy this green space
