Four hundred young trees have been planted in Dartmouth’s Jawbones field to celebrate both The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and 50 years of the Woodland Trust.

The community tree planting last weekend was part of a series of events taking part across the South Hams. By the end of the scheme 4,000 trees in total, funded through the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund project, will have been planted by local councils, community groups and schools.

At the Dartmouth Jawbones event the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, The Hon Mrs Sarah Lopes DL, planted a Jubilee tree in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, through the Queen’s Green Canopy community planting scheme.

The second celebration of the day was for the 50th anniversary of the Woodland Trust - created 50 years ago by founder Ken Watkins, at his Devon home. The 139 hectares of Avon Woods in Woodleigh became the Woodland Trust’s first purchase in 1972.

Dartmouth’s Jawbones planting included a wide variety of tree species with some flowering trees chosen for their abundance of nectar and pollen – to help South Hams Council achieve its climate change and biodiversity targets towards a net-zero district.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, Deputy Leader of South Hams Council, said: “We’re delighted to work in partnership as part of the Emergency Tree Fund to plant so many trees in the South Hams. The district is truly a beautiful place, made all the more special to be the very first place where 50 years ago the Woodland Trust saved its first wood.

“The planting of 400 trees will not only enhance the beauty of the area but will also be one more step in doing our bit for climate change and biodiversity. I look forward to watching the trees develop and grow on the landscape and will remember with fondness The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”

Ross Kennerley, South West Regional Director for the Woodland Trust, said: “We want to thank all those who’ve taken part. Together we’re making a difference for our climate, nature and the local communities. It feels fitting to be planting here, as we celebrate The Woodland Trust’s 50th birthday, in the county where the Woodland Trust started, as well as marking the Platinum Jubilee through the Queen’s Green Canopy.”

Devon County Council and the Woodland Trust are working closely together to support the Saving Devon’s Treescapes initiative. Run by the Devon Wildlife Trust, and with assistance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project is promoting community engagement in tree issues to help Devon’s landscapes to cope with the devastating loss of Ash trees through disease.

The Woodland Trust is currently forming a Trees for Devon group, linked to Devon Local Nature Partnership, to produce a ‘trees strategy’ for Devon and co-ordinate tree planting.