Lake District woodland to be part of Ancient Canopy to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Written by John Williamson on 04/05/2022
The Lake District National Park Authority is delighted a group of woodlands within the Rusland Valley have been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Woodlands to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications – the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.
The Lake District National Park Authority’s, Trees and Woodlands Officer, Lucy Saunders commented: “We’re thrilled that our woodlands in Rusland have been honoured as 1 of 70 ancient woodlands in the UK to be honoured by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
“In addition to this we have also registered the newly planted woodland on Storms Estate in Keswick with the Queen’s Green Canopy which will be a lovely lasting legacy.
“The treescape of the Lake District is of huge importance visually, culturally and ecologically. It is considered a hotspot for ancient trees, which are particularly valuable for birds, insects, mosses and lichens.
“Our wonderful trees and woodlands deliver a range of benefits including incomes and jobs, helping maintain our valuable land based industries; they provide forest and woodland products, support wildlife, help manage water flow, store carbon, inspire visits and exploration, help improve people’s health and wellbeing and are part of our cultural heritage.”
Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the diverse canopy of the four nations, it is a celebration of our living heritage. All the woodlands and trees have a story to tell. Some are famous specimens and others have a local significance. These Ancient natural spaces hold significance and meaning for so many people in many different ways. They are symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital spaces for health and wellbeing activities. By sharing the stories behind the Ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
