THE QUEEN’S official birth day was marked in Alcester with the planting of two oak trees.
The ceremony was performed by the town’s Mayor Yvette Morrison and the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Timothy Cox, was on hand to accept them on the Queen’s behalf.
The occasion is the latest step in a 25 year project centred on Alcester’s Green River Corridor which has seen the gradual incorporation of nearby green space for the benefit of local residents and wildlife.
The oaks were planted in Priory Meadow, a 14 acre site which is the latest addition to the project.
“We celebrated the Queen’s birthday and her 65 years on the throne and then we announced that Priory Meadow has got trust status,” said district and town councillor Mike Gittus, who has been at the heart of the scheme.
“The mayor and I had the pleasure of signing the deed of covenant which formally recognises the land as placed in trust and protects it forever.”
Much of the Green River Corridor enjoys the same protection which comes under part of the Playing Fields Association.
Alcester town council has also made no secret of its desire to adopt the nearby nature reserve, currently owned by Stratford District Council, to complete the green lung close to the heart of the settlement.
“In all my years as a councillor I must admit this is the most satisfying project I have ever worked on,” said Coun Gittus.
To add to the attraction of the Priory Meadow site an old oak tree which had been felled 20 years ago has been re-cast as a picnic and seating area close to where the new oaks have been planted.
“It had been suggested it be chopped up for firewood but the tree was 220 years old and I thought we could make better use of it, putting the old and the new together.”
The planting ceremony was attended by number of guests, including councillors past and present, the Marquis of Hertford and members of the public.
