Montalto Tree Planting Ceremony for the Queen’s Jubilee

Montalto Estate invited a number of local people and organisations to plant seven trees at the estate to represent the seven decades of the Queen’s reign. This will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’. 

Montalto Estate’s Managing Director, David Wilson said: “We are fully behind this sustainable initiative to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee being that tree planting is such a worthwhile endeavour. When doing so, it seemed only natural to bring together members of our community to further showcase the estate’s commitment to involving many, in long term environmental sustainability. We see these trees as living beacons which represent a tribute to a landmark milestone and they will be here for many years to come, benefitting future generations.”

The trees that were chosen to mark this occasion are Betula pendula – Silver Birch trees. These will be under-planted with Lily of the Valley, the Queen’s favourite flower.

This species was chosen as it offers a striking, medium-sized deciduous tree. When mature, these trees can reach 30 metres in height, forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches. As this area is adjacent to Montalto House, it will provide a lovely, scenic location for people to visit, and will be identifiable with a bespoke plaque.

The seven individuals who each planted a tree were: Nicola Broome – NHS representative; Frank McLean – Montalto member and son of previous worker for, and resident of Montalto Estate; Kathryn Owen – a Newry, Mourne & Down District Council Councillor; Alfie Booth (age 7) – pupil from Spa Primary School; Eva (age 11) – pupil from St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ballynahinch; Kevin Poland – representative from the Ballynahinch Lions Club; and David Wilson – Managing Director of Montalto Estate.