PEOPLE living in Ilminster can enter a draw to win one of 70 garden trees being given away by the Ilminster Tree Project to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The giveaway is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which launched when the tree-planting season began in October to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.
Jubilee celebrations officially began on Sunday, February 6, but celebrations for the occasion will be centred around the extended bank holiday weekend in June (Thursday, June 2 until Sunday, June 5).
Communities, schools, companies, and individuals have been encouraged to ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’ to honour the Queen’s service in a way that benefits future generations.
Sarah Hunt of Green Ilminster said: “We’ve been sponsored to be able to give away 70 trees for people in Ilminster for their gardens.
“We’ll supply the tree, and if people need a hand planting it, we’ve got volunteers who can help.
"If they need support in the first year or two after planting their tree, we’re happy to be there as a source of advice as well.”
Depending on availability, the trees provided will be one of Rowan, Crabapple, Hawthorn or Juneberry.
The giveaway has been supported by Branston Ltd, one of the UK’s largest potato buyers, packers, and distributors in the UK with a site in Seavington St Michael, near Ilminster.
Green Ilminster was founded in 2019 to reduce the town’s impact on the planet and to help create a more sustainable, resilient, and adaptable local environment.
Later that year, the group launched its tree project with the aim of planting 7,000 trees – one for every person living in Ilminster and the surrounding area.
Sarah estimates the group has now planted around 3,000 trees in total.
Ilminster Tree Project volunteers completed their first planting session of 2022 on Saturday, January 29 on land provided by heating, ventilation, and air condition solutions company Powrmatic Limited.
The group of 12 volunteers successfully planted 50 trees and enjoyed hot drinks, homemade cakes, and other refreshments.
To enter the Ilminster Tree Project’s tree draw, email greenilminster@btinternet.com or phone 07816 213428.
You will need to provide your name and contact details.
The closing date to enter is Sunday, February 20.
Read more: Green Ilminster set to launch Share and Repair project in the new year
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