Colchester continues commitment to tree planting

recover native oysters in Estuaries around Essex, aiming to repopulate their numbers to historic levels.

Firstsite, which won Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2021, spoke to their Majesties about its holiday fun programme, which provides free hot meals to local low-income children and their families, and Next Chapter spoke about the services they provide for survivors of domestic abuse.

During the visit, museum staff highlighted key objects in the collection, including the Fenwick Treasure and Colchester Vase, which has been in the news this week after new research revealed the Gladiator battles depicted on the vase were fought in Roman Britain, in Colchester.

Then, finally, Their Majesties met representatives of Colchester Zoo, who spoke about their leading role in conservation in the UK and overseas. The King and Queen Consort also unveiled the name of its new white baby rhino, Dara.

The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, said: “Yesterday will be a day I will remember for the rest of my life. It will certainly be one of the highest honours of my time as Mayor.

“It was a proud moment for Colchester, and it was wonderful to see so many local residents in the High Street to greet The King on his first visit to the city as Monarch.”

Colchester continues to work towards a greener city and an ambitious goal to plant a further 200,000 trees with over 12,500 trees planted this winter. With thousands more given away each year through the council’s Trees for Years programme.

For the first time, all the young trees we are planting on our land are UK grown stock being sourced from local tree nurseries whenever possible. Ensuring the trees are 100% UK grown has helped to reduce the carbon footprint of this year’s project even further.

This year, the council has worked closely with Market Field Farm, as part of their Market Field Grows scheme, with the charity helping to plant over 3,750 native trees and shrubs at the new Stanway Community Centre. Market Field Farm is a charity that provides young people with learning disabilities, autism and ADHD, secure and retain paid employment.

The trees planted at Stanway Community Centre are also an important landmark, as the Woodland and Biodiversity team campaigned hard to ensure that this new community building had planting that focussed on biodiversity rather than ornamental planting, as had been originally planned.

In addition to these trees, Colchester City Council also took part in the Queen’s Green Canopy, as part of the jubilee celebrations. Oak trees were planted in 20 towns and parishes across the city.

The tree planting is part of the council’s Woodland and Biodiversity project which aims to develop a legacy of a greener city for future generations. The project not only strives to make the city greener but aims to manage green spaces without harming existing habitats, enhance environments to create more space for nature to grow and thrive, and to encourage communities to love and care for the environment.

Leader of the Council, Cllr David King said: “I am proud of the progress we have made since we launched the Woodland and Biodiversity project, working with others to help biodiversity, the birds, bees, butterflies and the wildflowers that enrich our environment. As well as planting many thousands of trees in good locations, across our city and encouraging a respect for nature and our great parks as we go.”

Cllr Steph Nissen, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability added: “Our tree planting is a fundamental part of the Woodland and Biodiversity Scheme – a programme that makes a huge contribution to ensuring we make Colchester a greener city for the future.”

Residents will be able to get their hands on trees, too, with the Trees for Years scheme continuing for its 16th year.

For more information about the Woodland and Biodiversity Project please visit: The Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project

Wishbone Ash Play Colchester – Arts Centre on Friday 27th April 2023!

Over 50 years of continual touring and recording It’s a remarkable milestone few bands have achieved… and always at the highest level.

Discover for yourself why Wishbone Ash are one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock. Wishbone Ash take their audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history by combining the old songs with the new, with a live show that remains as fresh and in demand as ever.

Definitely one not to be missed!

WISHBONE ASH –

April 2023 UK Tour Dates include:

Thursday 27 April

COLCHESTER – Arts Centre

Friday 28 April

NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms

Saturday 29 April

BARNSLEY – Birdwell

Tickets for the above shows are available from - https://www. thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/ Wishbone-Ash.htm

For further information on WISHBONE ASH, check out the following website / social media links:

Website –https://wishboneash.com/

Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wishbone. ash.official

Twitter –https://twitter.com/wishboneash_com

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ wishboneashofficial/