The Foundation is working with local groups and schools to plant 70 trees across Letchworth to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.
Three trees have been planted on the grassed amenity area at the junction of South View and Broadway in Letchworth. The Foundation’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Gareth Hawkins, was joined by Arch Community Group and Letchworth based charity, Jackie's Drop-In. This work marks the start of a town-wide project that will see 67 more trees planted in various locations to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
Jackie Nealon, founder of Jackies Drop-In, a centre for adults with disabilities said, “Everyone had a wonderful day and the whole group enjoyed getting involved, including the volunteers! I want to say thank you to the Foundation for inviting us to take part.”
The trees planted are Liquidambar Styraciflua, or sweetgum trees, which were picked specifically for their spectacular orange, red and purple colours that flourish in the autumn.
Gareth Hawkins, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said, "It was a real privilege to help plant the inaugural trees of the 70 planned by the Heritage Foundation as part of the Queen's Jubilee Canopy. It was an even more enjoyable occasion having been joined by the fabulous team from Jackie's Drop-In, whose kindness, enthusiasm, and hard work is an inspiration. I look forward to seeing how these trees grow and flourish over the decades ahead."
Future locations for the trees include various open spaces, as well as Standalone Farm, the International Garden Cities Exhibition, Wymondley Woods, Greenway and the Wynd. Planting will continue later in the year and involve charities, community groups and schools. If you are in a local group that would like to be involved, please do contact us at response@letchworth.com.
To find out more about Jackie’s Drop-In, visit their website.
