Planting a green canopy fit for a Queen across Three Rivers

More than 700 trees are to be planted in Three Rivers district as part of an initiative created to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The Queen's Green Canopy will see new trees planted, as well as ancient woodlands and forests protected, across the UK. During the project more than 700 trees will be planted by Three Rivers District Council in a variety of locations across the district.

The scheme will begin this winter with the planting of standard trees in open spaces in towns and villages.  Sites include The Green at Croxley Green; Leavesden Country Park in Abbots Langley; Chorleywood House Grounds in Chorleywood; Scotsbridge at Rickmansworth; the King George V Recreation Ground in Mill End; Romilly Drive Playing Fields in Carpenders Park and Eastbury Recreation Ground in Eastbury.

Parish and community councils will be invited to support the tree planting in their area, and will include a commemorative plaque in the planting locations.

Next winter, 700 native small trees will be planted in two locations to create two small woodlands: The Horses’ Field, Leavesden Country Park, and Denham Way Recreation Ground, Maple Cross. Residents will be invited to take part in volunteer planting events.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “It has been said that ‘a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit’. That is a powerful thought. Protecting and enhancing our environment is at the forefront of our agenda here in Three Rivers, and so what better way could there be to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne than by planting hundreds of trees across our beautiful district? It is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s years of service, and also helps sustain our countryside and green spaces for generations to come.”

The massive planting project has been supported by local tree nursery, Herts Native Trees, which donated 20 standard trees towards the project. Funding has also been secured from the Treescape Fund to plant 25 additional street trees  in locations in South Oxhey: including Hayling Road; Holmside Rise and Brampton Road.

With a focus on planting sustainably, the national project is designed to encourage planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of the Queen’s leadership, which will benefit future generations. As well as inviting the planting of new trees, the project will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the UK and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.