Council releases Queen’s Copse details
FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have invited residents to support a borough tree planting project entitled ‘Queen’s Copse’ in honour of The Majesty the Queen, who becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee this weekend; having acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father when she was just 25 years-old.
As part of Fareham’s plans to celebrate this landmark anniversary, the council are working to create a sponsored scheme entitled ‘The Queen’s Copse’ which will be found within Abbey Meadows, Titchfield. But in order for this project to be successful the council have released more details to encourage those residents thinking about sponsoring a tree due to be planted later this year.
This specially created copse would offer a secluded and protected wildlife habitat to encourage biodiversity in the area and Fareham residents, community groups, organisations, clubs and businesses can sponsor trees either for themselves or in memory of a loved one.
Sponsors can select from a variety of tree species including Oak, Hazel, Wild Cherry, Sweet Chestnut, Aspen, Hornbeam, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Small-leaved Lime and Crab Apple. More information about each variety can be found on the Council website: www.fareham.gov.uk/queenscopse.
To sponsor a tree, readers are asked to simply fill in the short application form by 15 April 2022. Applying by this date will ensure that the trees are ordered in good time prior to the start of the planting season in November. Once your application has been received, a member of the Council will call you back to discuss the options with you and take your payment.
There are three sponsorship options available for each tree variety:
0.5-1 metre tree – £50
1.5 metre tree – £125
3 metre tree – £250
There are a limited number of each variety of tree available to ensure the copse remains as biodiverse as possible. Once all the trees have been sponsored, they will then be planted from November 2022. The cost of your sponsorship will cover the supply, planting, staking, tree guards where necessary, watering and maintenance.
Those who have sponsored a tree will be invited to an official unveiling event and their name, or another name of their choice, will also be added to a role of honour displayed on the Council’s website.
While the copse will be closed to the public to ensure its protection, those who sponsor a tree will also be able to visit the site at an annual open day event.
Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Sue Walker, said: “It is The Queen’s wish that trees be planted to commemorate her 70-year reign and Fareham Borough Council is delighted to be able to develop an entire copse in her honour. I encourage Fareham residents, community groups, organisations and local businesses to sponsor a tree in The Queen’s Copse as a mark of respect to Her Majesty, in memory of a loved one or to create a lasting legacy for yourself.”
Executive Member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Ian Bastable, added: “The site at Abbey Meadows in Titchfield will be cared for by our dedicated team and will establish over the years to become a protected area, rich in nature and biodiversity and a beautiful tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.”
You can find out more about this scheme and how to sponsor a tree here by visiting the Council link.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL: Entrance to Abbey Meadows, the location of the Queen’s Copse which will be started in November 2022 after the Platinum Jubilee.
