- Aston University plants an oak tree to mark the Queen’s Jubilee
- Special ceremony saw tree planted in a sea of wildflowers on its campus
- Planting is part of the national Queen’s Green Canopy initiative
Aston University has continued the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations by planting an oak tree to mark her 70th years on the throne.
A special ceremony was held which saw the tree planted in an area of wildflowers on the University campus beside the Students’ Union and the Chancellor’s Lake.
The planting is part of the UK-wide Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative which invites people across the country to “plant a tree for the jubilee” to create a legacy in honour of The Queen which will benefit future generations.
The University’s gardening team had prepared the ground for an English oak (Quercus robur) sapling.
Interim Vice-Chancellor Saskia Loer Hansen took up the ceremonial spade and turned the earth in front of senior representatives from the University and Aston Students’ Union on 7 June. She said:
“The tree planting not only marks the Queen’s Jubilee, but it also fits in with our native tree plan that we have for planting on campus.
“We chose the oak as it is a native species and grows into a spectacular-looking tree and will help wildlife to flourish on campus as it will create a home for species of birds, insects and mammals.
“As part of the University’s biodiversity action plan, we aim to identify opportunities to conserve and create new habitats, with particular focus on native species and wildlife paths through campus.”
A special commemorative plaque sits beside the Aston University oak to mark the event.
The Queen’s Green Canopy was launched in March by Her Majesty and The Prince of Wales who planted the first Jubilee tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Photo caption Left to right: Atul Rana, incoming Students' Union President, Balraj Purewal, Students' Union President, Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Loer Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7825 342091 or email n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
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