Oswestry residents are being given the opportunity to claim a free tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project, which closes at the end of March 2023.
Oswestry Town Council will be distributing 500 trees to local residents as part of the Town Council’s objective to plant 17,000 trees, one for each resident in Oswestry. Residents can collect their free tree (first come, first served and one per household) on Wednesday the 1st of March (10am to 1.30pm), and Saturday the 4th of March (9.30am to 2pm), from the Bailey Head. A range of trees will be available, including Wild Cherry, Elder, Crab Apple, Hazel & Rowan.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is an initiative that began in May 2021 in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The objective is to increase and protect native tree cover as a special gift for the Queen, to mark her 70 years on the throne.
Following the sad passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, his Majesty The King, became the Patron and in accordance with his wishes, the initiative has been extended to the end of March 2023 in line with the full tree planting season. This will give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty.
Town Council Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore said “We are thrilled to be taking part in this scheme. The trees will contribute to Shropshire’s net zero carbon agenda and provide other environmental benefits as the trees grow and mature. We need to give our wildlife a helping hand and these trees will encourage insects and birds into our gardens.”
As part of the scheme, residents are encouraged to add their tree to the Queen’s Green Canopy map and they will receive a digital plaque, which can be shared online to recognise the planting and to inspire others to get involved. Further details can be found at https://queensgreencanopy.org.uk .
Additional information will be provided on collecting a tree, however here is a brief summary of the trees available:-
Wild Cherry
Beautiful clouds of spring blossom, bright summer fruits and warm autumn leaves.
Estimated height 18 – 25 metres. A wonderful addition to any wildlife garden. An early source of nectar and pollen, which attracts a range of insects and provides fruit for birds. Grows best in full sunlight, sheltered from the wind and in fertile soil with good drainage.
Hazel
Grows yellow male catkins and small bud-like female flowers so is great for pollination and in autumn, it produces nuts popular with wildlife. Estimated growth of 10 metres or more, but its height can be controlled by pruning. Hazel is associated with the hazel dormouse, which eats the nuts as well as caterpillars it finds on the leaves. Nuts are also eaten by birds and native mammals. A shade-tolerant tree for non-acid well-drained to moist soils. Can be planted as part of a native hedgerow too.
Crab Apple
Sweetly-scented, pink-white blossom appears in spring and its apples ripen in late summer to autumn. Crab apples can be used to make jellies and jams. Estimated growth 7-9 meters. The flowers are a good source of early pollen and nectar for insects and birds enjoy the fruits. Mammals, like mice, voles, and badgers, are also partial to the fruit. Prefers sun or semi-shade and will tolerate most soil types.
Rowan
Silvery-brown bark and fern-like leaves which turn a lovely burnt red in autumn. In late spring you’ll find clusters of creamy-white flowers, followed by orange-red berries in autumn. It’s slim so makes a perfect garden specimen tree. It’s leaves and berries are a favourite for wildlife in woods and towns alike. Estimated growth 8-15 metres. A hardy species and will grow in most soils but prefers light, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Elder
Elder is a small tree, popular for gardens. Estimated growth 10-15 metres
The fragrant flowers appear in May – June and can be used to make elderflower cordial. The vitamin C rich berries ripen in late summer and are used to make preserves and wine. The flowers provide nectar for insects and the berries are eaten by birds and mammals.
Grows everywhere except on sands and prefers rich fertilised soils.
