A group of woodlands in the Lake District have been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 ancient woodlands to be dedicated to the Queen as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees across the United Kingdom, which includes the Rusland Valley between the lakes of Coniston Water and Windermere, which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
The initiative was launched by The Prince of Wales, who is patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the ancient tree dedications – the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.
The Lake District National Park Authority’s, trees and woodlands officer, Lucy Saunders said: “We’re thrilled that our woodlands in Rusland have been honoured as one of 70 ancient woodlands in the UK to be honoured by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
“In addition to this, we have also registered the newly planted woodland on Storms Estate in Keswick with the Queen’s Green Canopy which will be a lovely lasting legacy.
“The treescape of the Lake District is of huge importance visually, culturally and ecologically. It is considered a hotspot for ancient trees, which are particularly valuable for birds, insects, mosses and lichens.
“Our wonderful trees and woodlands deliver a range of benefits including incomes and jobs, helping maintain our valuable land-based industries; they provide forest and woodland products, support wildlife, help manage water flow, store carbon, inspire visits and exploration, help improve people’s health and wellbeing and are part of our cultural heritage.”
The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
