The Isle of Wight is home to many areas of pristine natural beauty, and the National Trust recently announced a special tree would be planted to honour The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the island’s Mottistone Village Green.
Gardener Ed Hinch from the Isle of Wight’s Mottistone Gardens and Estate will plant a walnut tree in the village as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project, the National Trust revealed.
Seventy projects have been announced as part of a tree-planting scheme to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70th year. While many of the projects are on a larger scale, the one in Mottistone is a single tree for a very specific reason.
According to the National Trust, the new planting will “recreate and complete a six-strong walnut tree circle, where one tree had succumbed to age and disease.” Along with Hinch, the tree will be planted by a member of the family who left Mottistone Manor to the National Trust more than 50 years ago.
“We’re not sure if walnuts have been on Mottistone village green for a long time, but of the current ones, three were planted in 1992,” Hinch said. “The tree ring encircles an old cottage well, and in the autumn, the walnuts are feasted on by the locals – humans and red squirrels.”
A ceremony will take place on the village green this autumn for local residents and volunteers from the estate.
Director-General of the National Trust Hilary McGrady also shared her excitement for this part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.
“The Platinum Jubilee is such a special moment for the UK, so I am delighted that the Trust is able to take part in the celebrations,” she said. “By taking part in The Queen’s Green Canopy, we’re able to mark this historic achievement whilst also creating a legacy for the future – a fitting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years of service to the country.”
