A copse of oak, alder, wild cherry, ash and hawthorn trees has been planted next to Rossett Nature Reserve in Harrogate. The copse marks the Queens Diamond Jubilee and has been blessed by Canon Tony Shepherd of St Peters Church.
A total of 25 trees were planted with local MP Andrew Jones joining the Curator of the Nature Reserve, Jennifer Hall and members of Harrogate and District Soroptimists, to plant them.
Toasting the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee Copse. (L-R Val Hills, Canon Tony Shepherd, Pat Shore, Jennifer Hall, Andrew Jones MP and John Shore)
Mr Jones commented:
This is a rather lovely way to commemorate the Jubilee. It’s been a bit of a community effort. Harrogate Council provided the trees through Harrogate Rotary Club. The local Soroptimists paid for them but we can all admire them.
Mr Jones, who was in Parliament for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee address to MPs added: “Her Majesty is only the second British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. It is right that we pay tribute to 60 years of selfless dedication to our country. It was quite something to listen to her in Westminster Hall. She is a remarkable person.”
Ms Hall added:
We only got permission from the Council this week to plant the copse so I’m really grateful to everyone for pulling out all the stops to get everything ready. Once the trees are established we will plant a carpet of English bluebells. The Diamond Jubilee copse is not only a tribute to our Queen but a continuation of our town’s green heritage.
