The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Queen’s Green Canopy
The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands
and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE is delighted that Beech Wood and Dundonald Wood, Dundonald, and Merkland Wood, Brodick Country Park, Isle of Arran are to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
The Beech Wood at Dundonald is used on a regular basis by the community through a network of trails, the most significant of which is a Core Path known as the Smugglers Trail linked back to the 18th Century. Oddly, the wood is planted in the shape of a horseshoe. Merkland Wood forms part of a nationally significant wider historic designed landscape surrounding Brodick Castle on the Isle of Arran. The woodland contains several sculptures created by a locally renowned sculptor Tim Pomeroy. These reflect his response to the woodland and include a canticle and unfolding ferns.
The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of
The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications - the old Sycamore
located at Dumfries House in Scotland. This tree is reputed to have been planted in 1599, the tree stands at the top of the walled garden at Dumfries House and was the only surviving tree within the walled garden. At 422 years old she is a grand old lady.
Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the
diverse canopy of the four nations, it is a celebration of our living heritage. All the woodlands and trees have a story to tell. Some are famous specimens and others have a local significance.
These Ancient natural spaces hold significance and meaning for so many people in many
different ways. They are symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital
spaces for health and wellbeing activities.
By sharing the stories behind the Ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible
efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
information is available on the following link:
https://queensgreencanopy.org/ancient-trees-and-ancient-woodland/