Tree to celebrate the King’s Coronation planted in Weston Park

Luke Rose; Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Colin Ross; Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Dame Hilary Chapman; Cllr Richard Williams; Rowan Longhurst

In celebration of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation earlier this year, a commemorative tree has been planted in Sheffield’s Weston Park.

As one if the final initiatives of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) – a unique, UK-wide tree planting scheme, originally created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 – commemorative trees were gifted to each county in celebration of His Majesty’s Coronation, in May of this year.

Sheffield’s Weston Park was chosen as the new home for South Yorkshire’s tree, which is a Liquidambar styraciflua, selected for its vibrant autumn colour and ability to thrive in urban park conditions.

Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Dame Hilary Chapman, said at the commemorative tree planting, which took place on Monday 4^th December: “We were looking for somewhere accessible for the people of South Yorkshire, and where the tree would be professionally looked after.

“We are absolutely delighted to work in partnership with Sheffield City Council, where we know this beautiful Liquidambar will be looked after for generations to come.”

The ceremony was also attended by Colin Ross, Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Cllr Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee.

Cllr Richard Williams said: “It is fantastic that Weston Park was chosen as the site of this commemorative tree planting, as it is a real testament to the efforts of our Community Forestry Team, who work extremely hard in our parks and green spaces to ensure these areas thrive.

“As this is the first tree planting season to occur since the Coronation, this was the earliest opportunity we have had to commemorate the event in this way. I believe there is real significance in celebrating historic events in a way everyone can enjoy – and nature provides us with the perfect opportunity to do this.”

Tree planting season typically runs from November to March, as trees planted at this time are in a dormant state, allowing them to establish their root systems in advance of the growing seasons in the Spring.

This gives the tree the best chance of success in its new location.

The tree and accompanying plaque can be found in Weston Park, adjacent to the path, which goes around the tennis courts.