Once more it is the time of year to celebrate National Tree Week (23 November – 1 December) and this year is extra-special for New Milton Town Council celebrating by planting trees throughout the town. In particular, three commemorative trees were planted on New Milton War Memorial Recreation, in honour of D-Day 80 anniversary this year, and VE80 and VJ80 anniversaries next year.
In memory of the D-Day 80 anniversary this year, a Betula Zwisters Glory (Swiss Glory Birch) was planted on the War Memorial Recreation Ground. An elegant tree with striking bark ideally situated in a park environment.
The Mayor, Cllr Alvin Reid, was thrilled to be accompanied by local resident and D-Day veteran, and now in his 99th year, Jim Justice, to the tree planting. Cllr Reid said “We are honoured to welcome Jim Justice, a former serving Green Jacket, who lives locally. Eighty years ago, Rifleman Jim Justice landed in Normandy, his platoon then marched to liberate Bayeux, encountering resistance and hand-to-hand combat. This year, Jim visited commemorative events in Normandy with the RBL and had tea with the Royal Family.”
Joining the Mayor on the Recreation Ground, Jim Justice accompanied by his wife Joy, helped plant the D-Day commemorative tree, saying “It is a privilege to have been invited to the Tree Planting Ceremony in honour of these very special anniversaries and to see these wonderful trees being planted. Thank you.”
Two Prunus Sunset Boulevard (Flowering Cherries) were also planted on the Recreation Ground, to commemorate the VE80 and VJ80 anniversaries in 2025. New Milton Town Council, in partnership with New Milton branch of Royal British Legion, will host Acts of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Thursday 8 May 2025 for VE80 and on Tuesday 2 September 2025 for VJ80.
In addition to planting commemorative trees, another 136 trees will be planted this season as part of the Council’s tree planting programme, including trees purchased by the public via the Plant a Tree Initiative.
The Town Council launched the Plant a Tree Initiative in 2020 as part of the Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Action Plan. The scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to buy a tree thereby contributing to enhancing the town’s beloved green canopy and help slow down climate change.
The scheme has enjoyed success within the community and 90 trees have been sponsored over the last 4 years as part of this popular initiative.
Cllr Geoff Blunden, Chairman of Amenities Committee, said “I am delighted that the Plant a Tree Initiative resonates with people, unlocking that affinity we have with trees, as they, and nature, continue to inspire us. Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts in planting trees. It’s wonderful to see such community involvement and commitment to environmental sustainability, helping in our fight against climate change and enhancing our biodiversity.”
More information available from:
Graham Flexman
Town Clerk
New Milton Town Council
Tel: 01425 619120
Email: info@newmiltontowncouncil.gov.uk
Dated: 28 November 2024
National Tree Week – join the UK’s largest tree celebration
Plant-a-Tree-2024-Order-form-for-the-public.pdf