Tree planting event kicks off Platinum Jubilee celebrations

A tree-planting event will be held at Happy Valley on Saturday 26 March as part of this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Organisations across the UK are holding tree planting events this Spring   - under the banner of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ – to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s reign, Her Platinum Jubilee - a feat no previous monarch has achieved.

70 trees will be planted at Happy Valley during the event – and volunteers are invited to help out.

Tree planting will take place between 10:00 am and 12.00 noon.  Volunteers should bring their own spades and a mallet if they have one. Outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear and gloves are also recommended.

Parking will be limited.

Orkney’s Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve said: “To mark this momentous year, a number of events and initiatives are planned, with a focus on the extra-long Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, beginning Thursday 2 June.

“Key nationwide events include Platinum Jubilee Beacons, The Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch, A Song for the Commonwealth and The Queens Green Canopy.

“What a fantastic way to mark our respect to Her Majesty – gathering at one of Orkney’s hidden gems, working shoulder to shoulder to create a lasting reminder of this remarkable feat.”

Happy Valley - located off the Bigswell Road in Stenness - was created by one man, Edwin Harrold, who spent most of his life planting trees along the side of the burn next to his house. After Edwin died in 2005, the Friends of Happy Valley was formed to help look after it and, in May 2011, it was declared a Local Nature Reserve. It is a secluded and enchanting place to visit, with a waterfall, many trees and lush gardens.

If you have any queries, please contact Jane Rawle or Eileen Summers via email: janerawle.owp@gmail.com  or Eileen.summers@orkney.gov.uk