Assynt Mountain Rescue Team selected to receive special gift of tree from 'living sculpture' erected to mark Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team is one of 350 “inspiring” organisations across the UK to be selected to receive the gift of a tree from the "Tree of Trees", which was the centrepiece of celebrations during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.
The 21-metre high "living sculpture", erected outside Buckingham Palace, contained 350 indigenous trees planted in aluminium pots embossed with Her Majesty's cypher. The trees "sprouted" from the branches of a tree-like form.
,
The message of the Tree of Trees, which was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies was of "hope regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world".
During the summer the trees were care for by Barcham's Tree Nursery in Cambridgeshire, ahead of distribution at the start of the planting season in October.
The names of community groups and individuals who will each receive one of the trees, was announced today by the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) - the tree planting initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
QGC said the organisations, which were chosen in collaboration with Lord Lieutenants, “embody a spirit of selflessness and support with a purpose dedicated to the betterment of their communities, the environment and the nation".
Every county in the UK will receive at least one tree from the Tree of Trees - their distribution is in proportion to population.
The first presentation ceremony takes place today at the Royal Hospital in London when 20 of the organisations selected will each be presented with one of the special trees.
In Sutherland, Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott will make the presentation on a later date to Assynt Mountain Rescue Team.
Sir Nicholas Bacon, chairman of the Queen's Green Canopy said: "We are proud to unveil this nationwide network of organisations chosen to become custodians of these special trees in Her Majesty's name. In recognition of the positive impact that they have on the communities, the groups chosen represent the very best of Britain.
"The Queen's Green Canopy hopes the trees will serve as an inspiration for tree planting within communities and to encourage care for the trees which already exist as part of our nation's stunning landscape."
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) was originally created to mark the Platinum Jubilee. It was due to end in December - the end of jubilee year - but following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, it was decided to extend the scheme until the end of March 2023.
The extension, which fits in with the tree planting season in the UK, was on the express wishes of King Charles III, the patron of QGC. It was felt it would give people an opportunity to plant trees in memory of the Queen.
Tim Hamlet, Assynt Mountain Rescue Team leader, said "Assynt Mountain Rescue team members are delighted to be recognised in this way. The tree from the 'Queen's Green Canopy' will be planted as a lasting memory for all those our volunteers have helped over the 46 year history of the team."
