More scope for sponsoring Fareham’s Jubilee trees

SUCH has been the demand to sponsor a tree in Fareham for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that the borough council has announced a second round of planting.

All 100 opportunities to sponsor trees to be planted at The Queen’s Copse near the play and picnic areas at Abbey Meadows in Titchfield, have been taken up.

Now the council has announced a second area – to be called The Platinum Copse – in the southern part of Abbey Meadows will be used to plant 80 more sponsored trees.

Both sites will be part of The Queen’s Green Canopy which is an initiative to mark her 70 years on the throne.

Sponsorship options and costs

Ten species of trees will be planted at The Platinum Copse including oak, hazel, sweet chestnut, and crab apple.

And there are three sponsorship options available for each tree variety:

• 5-1 metre tree – £50
• 5 metre tree – £125
• 3 metre tree – £250.The cost will cover the supply, planting, staking, tree guards where necessary, watering and maintenance.

Fareham residents, community groups, organisations, clubs and businesses can apply to sponsor a commemorative tree and the closing date for applications is April 1.

Trees will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with successful applicants being called by the council in order to discuss options and take the payment.

Further details of – and the application form for – this second tranche of sponsored trees are available HERE.

Planting at both The Queen’s Copse and The Platinum Copse will start in November 2022, and those who have sponsored a tree will receive a certificate, an invitation to an official unveiling event and their name – or a name of their choice – will be added to a role of honour displayed on the council’s website.

Guidance will be provided to successful sponsors so they can identify their particular tree. However, the copses will be fenced off to protect the trees.

The council states that it anticipates, “there will be an annual open day so sponsors can visit their tree once a year.”

‘fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’

Fareham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Streetscene Councillor Ian Bastable said: “I would like to thank all of the residents, community groups, organisations and local businesses who have sponsored a tree at The Queen’s Copse and also encourage anyone who missed out to sponsor a tree at The Platinum Copse.

“Both these sites will be tended by our Streetscene team, with help from local volunteers, to create a fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, rich in nature and biodiversity.”

Image (top): map of Abbey Meadows, Titchfield. Fareham Borough Council, reproduced with permission