SOMERSET West and Taunton Council is planting 190 trees as part of a nationwide project to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy project encourages individuals and organisations to plant trees across as a tribute to her 70-year reign and to mitigate climate change.

SWT has allocated land in its parks and open spaces for tree planting in Hawthorn Park, Taunton, and Culvercliffe, Minehead.

Planting of the first 85 trees began on Monday (January 24) in Hawthorn Park, with acers, conifers and fruit trees in separate zones and mixed varieties occupying two further areas.

Then 105 native species such as beech, oak, field maple, hawthorn, lime, rowan and silver birch will follow at Culvercliffe in an avenue adjacent to the coastal path.

The planting and subsequent maintenance work for Taunton and Minehead is being undertaken by SWT's Open Spaces Team.

The schemes will provide wildlife rich habitats, as well as colours that change throughout the year.

SWT is also funding the planting of trees at Fox’s Field in Wellington, which is currently being leased to Transition Town Wellington.

The first started in December and a forest garden, wildflower meadow, natural amphitheatre and remembrance garden are included in TTW’s plans.

The three planting schemes will complete at the end of February.

Each tree planted will be uploaded to an interactive map via the QGC website, and commemorative plaques and QGC waymarkers will be installed.

Cllr Dixie Darch, SWT executive member for climate change, said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful initiative which not only celebrates HM the Queen’s long reign, but also helps to tackle climate change and will leave a legacy for people in Somerset West and Taunton to enjoy for generations to come.

“It also builds on our free tree giveaway scheme where we've gifted 371 trees to town and parish councils over the last two years – all of which helps towards meeting our climate goal for a net-zero district by 2030.

“Everyone can get involved – whether they have space for an individual sapling, or a larger woodland project. Every tree really does count.”

Council chairman Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey said: “We’re delighted and proud to be leading by example and encouraging people across the district to mark the Jubilee through tree planting.

“I urge individuals, schools, community groups and businesses to take part and register their tree planting on the interactive map via the Queen’s Green Canopy website.”

To get involved, visit queensgreencanopy.org