Oak saplings planted in memory of Queen

EIGHT oak trees have been planted at Gillotts Corner Field in Henley in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The trees are part of the Queen’s Canopy Project, which was set up initially to celebrate her platinum jubilee last year. It changed to a memorial initiative following her death in September.

Members of the town council’s parks services team planted the saplings on the town green, off Greys Road, on Wednesday last week.

Catherine Notaras, who chairs Henley in Bloom, said: “Oak trees symbolise patriotism and strength and are also the Gillotts School emblem. A mature oak tree nurtures more than 2,300 wildlife species, providing a habitat for them to breed, eat and shelter. Oak leaves take in CO2 and release oxygen.”

Diana Barnett, a member of Henley in Bloom and Greener Henley, said: “Oak trees are really important for biodiversity. They grow for hundreds of years so are there for future generations.

“They are native and we have used them throughout our history so they mean a lot to us as a country. Because these trees are on a town green they will be protected. I can’t think of a more appropriate tree or place to plant them.”

Meanwhile, residents who ordered a tree via the garden tree giveaway scheme will be able to collect their saplings and join in National Tree Planting Week from November 25 to December 3.

• Lex Volkes, the town council’s conservation park warden, has removed barbed wire from beside the woodland path that connects Gillotts Corner Field and Highlands Lane to make the area safer for wildlife.