Ascot Racecourse and the Crown Estate today welcomed 70 local schools to Windsor Great Park to be involved in a ceremony which saw 70 new oak trees planted as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’ project.
The trees have been planted adjacent to the Royal Procession route from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse, along Duke’s Lane, and are intertwined with existing, mature oak trees, some of which date back to 1751.
Each school was represented by a pupil, holding their school’s crest or something that identified their school, and a group photograph was taken before a reception was held back at the racecourse.
A permanent plaque will also be placed among the trees to remind people of the initiative and celebrate the joint venture between Ascot Racecourse and the Crown Estate.
Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We were thrilled to welcome all 70 schools to the ceremony in celebration of this project which will have a positive long-lasting impact on the Great Park and also act as a lasting reminder for generations to come of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee."
Timothy Griffith, Headteacher, Ranelagh School, said: “Ranelagh School is delighted and honoured to be one of the schools lucky enough to be chosen to have a tree dedicated to us as part of the 70 new oak trees in Windsor Great Park.
“At the heart of our school’s culture is our commitment to being a dynamic learning community that is rooted in Christianity. As such, I cannot think of a more appropriate project for us to be involved in. On behalf of Ranelagh School, may I take this opportunity to congratulate Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee.”
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Ascot Racecourse Schools :: Platinum Jubilee 2022
Papplewick's Eco representative Helios Selvan joined local schools on Tuesday 10th May in Windsor Great Park, when 70 oak trees jointly planted by Ascot Racecourse and the Crown Estate adjacent to the Royal Procession route in Windsor Great Park were dedicated to one of each of 70 local schools, one for each year of Her Majesty's Reign.
British racecourses have planted more than 700 trees this year in this landmark year which invited people from across the UK to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.'
Headmaster Tom Bunbury said 'This has been a great honour for Papplewick -our Eco team work hard -to have an oak dedicated to us and for future generations to watch develop to its' mighty splendour representing the Platinum Jubilee is a poignant moment in British history."