Cherry blossom saplings being given away for Queen’s Green Canopy

The saplings will be available at Ashton Park Walled Garden in November Pic: Tony Worrall

Four hundred cherry blossom saplings will be given away over three dates throughout November in support of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative.

Earlier in the year, Preston City Council gave away more than 300 saplings to local schools and residents as part of Plant Preston, an initiative set up as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a cause for which Preston was chosen as a ‘Champion City’.

Preston City Council have now joined forces with Lets Grow Preston, a local charity set up to help local communities brighten up their greenspaces through gardening, for another giveaway.

The saplings will be available from 1pm until 3pm on Sunday 13and Saturday 19 November at Ashton Park Walled Garden, Pedder’s Lane, Preston, where people will be able to pick up a cherry blossom along with a pot and compost donated by Let’s Grow Preston. On these dates, 180 saplings will be given away each day.

The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Neil Darby, said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for the residents and communities of Preston to be part of a national endeavour to plant more trees.

“I am delighted that we now have an opportunity to work with a local, recognised charity Let’s Grow Preston, through this amazing scheme. By picking up a free sapling you can help to make our city a little greener.”

Younger trees in Winckley Square are struggling to get enough light to grow — Earlier this year a two-week city-wide campaign invited everyone across Preston to get planting

The third giveaway is part of a larger event, arranged to celebrate the work of Let’s Grow Preston. On Saturday 20 November a planting of a ‘Tree of Trees’ will take place.

The tree was donated by The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative in recognition for the work the charity does to support Preston communities. Preston is one of only eight recipients throughout Lancashire of this ‘Tree of Trees’ which is part of special legacy in Her Majesty’s name.

The tree will become part of the living legacy, in honour of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Joining more than a million trees already planted across the UK.

Mike Crosby, Chair of Trustees for Let’s Grow Preston, said: “We see this tree as recognition for the part we play in the support of Preston communities and are honoured to accept the gift on behalf of the City of Preston.”

Annie Wynn, Development Director at Let’s Grow Preston, added: “Receiving such a special tree is a huge delight for Let’s Grow Preston and is recognition for all the work that we do to support Preston communities, improving people’s physical and mental well-being through nature.

“However, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without the generosity of our volunteers and the collaborative and cooperative way we work with Preston Food Hub Network, the allotmenteers and so many grassroot groups and local businesses.”

The Tree of Trees planting event will take place on Sunday 20 November from 10am until 3pm and will include activities such as build a bird or bat box and willow weaving at The Hub, Grange Park, Off Mitton Drive, in Ribbleton.

On each occasion, trees will be given away on a first come first served basis.

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