The Queen’s Green Canopy - how the Heswall Society has not only marked the Platinum Jubilee, but also enhanced an important green space

By Steve Anderson, the Heswall Society

On the cold crisp morning of last Thursday, the Heswall Society organised a planting of ten standard fruit trees, comprising apple, pear, cherry, plum and damson on the green space formed between Thurstaston and Telegraph roads as the Society's contribution to the Queen's Green Canopy project.

Heswall Society members and local residents were invited to the planting and the Society was privileged to secure the participation of the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, his honour John Roberts. Derek the piper was engaged to supply accompanying music.

This planting initiative fits well with the Heswall Society's aim of protecting the heritage of the Heswall Ward as, in addition to screening planning applications on a monthly basis, the Society also looks to protect the Ward's green spaces and maintain and expand the Ward's important tree catalogue.

Through the Society's contribution to the Queen's Green Canopy project, in addition to adding to the project's objective of marking the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee by planting trees, the initiative will enhance the area for both residents and wildlife, be an important addition to Heswall's catalogue of trees, and help to better protect this Special Green Space from potential future development.

In addition to thanking the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for their attendance, the support of Nicola Wallbank, the Council's Landscape Manager – Tree Strategy for her support and advice throughout the project and sourcing the tree was also acknowledged.

The Society extends its gratitude to all those who attended and those volunteers who helped to plant the trees along with Nicola and Justin from the Council.

Derek the piper provided the music