KCC’s Country Park at Lullingstone has been chosen as part of a nationwide network of ancient woodlands to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy consists of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees across the UK which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The initiative was launched by The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications – the Drumlanrig Sycamore, which is located at Dumfries House in Scotland and believed to be 300 years old.

A distinctive example of the many ancient trees at Lullingstone Country Park

Lullingstone Country Park is part of the wider Lullingstone Castle estate and is on the Historic England National Register for parks and gardens.

The park is known internationally for its notable collection of nearly 300 recorded veteran or ancient trees. There are estimated to be well over 500 in total with some old oaks thought to be more than 800 years old.

Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “I am delighted that Kent County Council, through its Country Parks, is supporting and celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee.

“Lullingstone is a special park with superb veteran trees and woodland habitats for people to enjoy and learn about.”

Inclusion on the Queen’s Green Canopy list is a symbolic gift which involves the voluntary dedication of forests and woodland – there is no land transfer. The nominated woodlands and trees had to meet a specific set of criteria.

The dedicated trees and woodlands occur in rural and urban spaces, natural and planted settings. There is a range of ownership including large landowners, local authorities and private individuals.

There is no set age for a tree to be considered ancient, as different species age at different rates. Further information is available here: https://queensgreencanopy.org