Four tree planters have been installed on St John Square, in the centre of Peterborough, to celebrate Peterborough Environment City Trust’s (PECT) 20th Birthday.
The four planters have been designed and crafted by PECT’s Woodland Project Officer Matthew Robinson using locally sourced larch wood. They will be placed in two sections, one for each decade, to form a gateway to the church.
The wood that has been used was originally planted in the Burghley Estate to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887. The tree was blown down in high winds last winter and was kindly donated by Burghley House Preservation Trust for this new project. The compost was kindly donated by Bettaland.
June Berry (Amelanchier lamarckii) trees have been planted in each of the planters. The trees are well known for their impressive white blossom in spring, their bright green foliage in the summer months, and their deep red autumnal colours. The trees have been planted during the winter planting season, giving them adequate time to develop and blossom next spring.
Woodland Project Officer Matthew Robinson said, “The city has been overwhelmingly supportive of our projects over the past 20 years. The planters are a fantastic way to give something back to the city for everyone to enjoy.
“The planters have been created using larch wood that was originally planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Unfortunately, this tree was blown down in high winds last winter, but has been very kindly donated by the Burghley House Preservation Trust to complete this project.
“We hope that the planters will help to brighten the wonderful new square area and people enjoy them when they blossom in spring next year.”