Royal 'Tree of Trees' gifted to Swansea
A lasting legacy of the close connections between HM Queen Elizabeth ll, her concern for the environment and her relationship with Swansea has been unveiled in the city this week.
The tree which had been part of the late Queen's 'Tree of Trees' celebrating her platinum jubilee was presented to Swansea's Environment Centre to recognise its work with volunteers and partners including Swansea Council to improve and protect our local environment.
Earlier this year Swansea was chosen as a Queen's Green Canopy Champion city to help commemorate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee Year with a major tree-planting campaign.
This was in recognition of the tree planting work being delivered by the Council in partnership with a wide range of voluntary organisations including the Swansea Environment Centre, the Swansea Community Farm and others to support new tree planting and increase tree cover across Swansea.
Now the Queen's Green Canopy has gifted the special commemorative trees from the 'Tree of Trees' that was erected outside Buckingham Palace to communities across the country as a lasting recognition of Her Majesty's commitment to the environment.
As a Champion City, Swansea's Environment Centre has been given a 10ft Alder tree in a special commemorative growing pot that will go on display at the Environment Centre in Pier Street from 27 October until 2pm on 5 November 2022.
The Tree will then be re-planted at Swansea's Community Farm in the coming weeks for future generations to enjoy. The special silver pot with its commemorative plaque will be used to grow a succession of new trees for planting out in a continuing commemoration.
The tree was presented by HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Mrs Louise Fleet JP to Steve Bolchover, Chairperson of the Environment Centre's Board of Trustees, at a special ceremony at the centre on 26 October.
The event was also attended by the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Mr Stephen Rogers and the Deputy Lord Mayor of the City and County of Swansea, Councillor Graham Thomas.
Cllr Andrea Lewis, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Service Transformation and Climate Change and Cllr David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services were also present alongside staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters of the Environment Centre.
Lord Lieutenant Mrs Fleet said: "This beautiful Alder tree will become part of a living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen's Green Canopy. It has been gifted to the Environment Centre in recognition of the good work it has undertaken and supported over the past 25 years to involve local communities in helping to improve the environment, tackle climate change and contribute to nature recovery.
Cllr Hopkins said: "We're delighted for the Environment Centre to receive this special tree which represents a message of hope, regeneration and optimism."
"Alongside the Environment Centre, the community farm, voluntary groups and schools, we have been using our Champion City status to encourage people to join in, planting new hedgerows and trees in local green spaces at schools, parks, roadsides and elsewhere."
Steve Bolchover, Chairperson of the Environment Centre's Board of Trustees, said the decision to give the Environment Centre the commemorative tree, was deeply poignant.
He said: "The Environment Centre was officially opened by the then Prince of Wales (now King Charles) in April 1995, and we are honoured to renew the royal connection by receiving this very special commemorative tree from the 'Tree of Trees' here today.
"The communities and volunteers we work with are extremely proud of the work we've done over many years to promote and protect our outstandingly beautiful and fragile environment."
For further information please contact:
The Environment Centre , Pier Street Swansea 01792 480200