A beautiful wildlife corridor of trees has been planted in the centre of a South Downs village to mark The King’s Coronation.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, recently helped villagers plant the first of 12 cherry and crab apple trees in Singleton.
The trees will grow and blossom, providing an attractive area for visitors, as well as creating a haven for many birds and insects.
A special plaque has taken pride of place in Singleton to mark the ceremonial moment the first tree was planted.
It comes after funding from the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office and the South Downs National Park Trust, which has been leading the “Trees for the Downs” initiative.
More than 60,000 trees have been planted in the past four years across 100 sites in a bid to create more space for nature to flourish and enhance the National Park’s treescape. The tree project is just one strand of the National Park’s ReNature initiative, which is aiming to create 13,000 hectares of new wildlife habitat, together with improving the existing nature areas in the South Downs.
Image shows Lady Emma Barnard with National Park Assistant Ranger Gemma North – credit Jeff Travis
The planting is also part of Singleton’s Accessibility Project, which aims to supply 15 parking spaces in the centre of the village, close to the South Downs Way. The rural parking facility will include disabled parking, mobility scooter parking, and a bike rack.
Jeremy Rigby, Singleton and Charlton Parish Councillor, said: “It is a terrific honour for Singleton to be chosen as the venue for the West Sussex Coronation tree and we all feel very privileged to be here at its planting. It has pride of place and can’t be missed by the many walkers and visitors who will pass through the village for several generations to come, reminding all of a special moment in history.”
“I am very happy that this fine little tree, a gift to the people of West Sussex, is now in such a beautiful place in the heart of the South Downs. As a living reminder of The King’s Coronation, it will bring joy to so many people for years to come. I’m very grateful to the people of Singleton and The South Downs National Park Authority for all their help and enthusiasm in making this all happen.”
Lady Emma Barnard, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, who is also President of the South Downs National Park Trust
Trees for the Downs is aiming to plant over 100,000 trees in total. To find out more and to donate visit our Trees for the Downs page.