A ceremonial tree planting was undertaken at Bath Riverside this week to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The London Plane tree, the same species that is found in The Circus, Kingsmead Square and Abbey Green, was chosen for its stately appearance and it’s associations with Bath landmarks, was planted by developer Crest Nicholson and dedicated in a ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Bryan Chalker, to commemorate the royal jubilee.
Also in attendance were a group of children from the nearby Oldfield Infants School, who demonstrated a keen interest in the new tree, as well as the mall plants they were given to take away from the event.
Debbie Aplin, managing director of Crest Nicholson Regeneration said: “Planting this beautiful tree is our way of honouring the Queen’s reign and establishing a living monument at Bath Riverside that can be seen and enjoyed by many over the coming decades. We were delighted that the Mayor and Mayoress were able to lend their support to the occasion. It was also fantastic to involve the children and I sincerely thank Oldfield Park Infant School’s headteacher Jo Claridge for arranging for the group of children come over.”
During the event the Mayor unveiled a plaque situated at the base of the tree, which currently stands at 9m tall but may grow in excess of 12m once fully matured.
Mrs Claridge said: “It was great for us to be involved in the ceremony and understand the tree’s significance. We will all be interested to watch the tree grow over coming years.”
The tree has been planted at the end of the recently refurbished Victoria Bridge Road, adjacent to Victoria Bridge, and forms part of a wider landscape strategy being implemented by local Bath firm Grant Associates.