On Wednesday 9th November 2022, young people from Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) joined Tess Hart MBE and volunteers from Susan’s Farm to plant a very special tree gifted to them from the Queen’s Green Canopy, Tree of Trees Sculpture. The Tree of Trees Sculpture was the centrepiece outside Buckingham Palace during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations earlier this year, and CYZ are just one of two organisations in Cumbria to have been selected to receive a tree from the original sculpture.
The Carlisle Youth Zone Queen’s Green Canopy Tree of Trees planted at Susan’s Farm
The planting ceremony saw representatives from the Youth Zone come to together with Susan Aglionby OBE, volunteers from Susan’s Farm and team members of Cumbria Wildlife Trust to mark the occasion, with young people conveying special thanks to Tess Hart MBE, a Deputy Lieutenant who put forward the nomination for CYZ and attended the Tree planting ceremony representing His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Mrs Claire Hensman.
At the heart of the ceremony was the opportunity for young people to play their part in marking a special moment in time which will be enjoyed by many more young people and community members in to the future. The significance of the occasion was not lost on those taking part, with Vasyl (10yrs) a Ukrainian Refugee who has become a member of the Youth Zone commenting “I’m glad to have been a part of something so special, this is my first time planting a tree” with Alexa (13yrs) adding “I found it really fun, the tree is amazing, what stood out for me is that we were allowed to plant such a special tree, I think I will remember this forever.” Reflecting on the event afterwards whilst everyone enjoyed some tea and cake back at Susan’s Farm Education Centre, Amelia Bennett Musgrave from Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said “this has been a beautiful event to be part of, celebrating people, nature and communities working together.”
Tree of Trees planting ceremony celebration cake
The tree has been planted close to the public footpath near Tarraby Wood, Houghton, on land managed by Susan’s Farm. Members of the public are encouraged to visit and reflect on the significance the tree holds for our County and the message of hope, regeneration and optimism it offers from the original sculpture. The unique commemorative pot which the tree arrived in, will be displayed at CYZ so that all members of the Youth Zone now and in to the future can see it.
Queen’s Green Canopy – Commemorative Pot
Caroline Taylor-Beswick, Chief Executive at CYZ comments “since hearing the news, everyone at Carlisle Youth Zone has been bursting with pride to have been selected to receive such a special tree, and to see our young members having such fun during the planting ceremony has been a real joy. I know they are already looking forward to doing more conservation and environmental projects with Susan’s Farm and Cumbria Wildlife Trust including taking care of their tree”.
“I made history today” says Amirah (13yrs) who took part in the Tree Planting Ceremony for Carlisle Youth Zone
