Royal Oak

There’s a fresh planting at Botanical Gardens that gives a whole new meaning to ‘family tree’. Visitors may have spotted a sapling oak newly planted in the South Lawns area. And this is no ordinary oak: its acorn came from an English oak planted by George V to celebrate his coronation over 100 years ago. It too has a commemorative purpose, this time to honour the reign of Elizabeth II. The oak was presented and planted by the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Patron of Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust.

The tree planting is part of a national initiative originally set up by the Queen in 2021 to create The Queen’s Green Canopy through planting projects throughout the UK. The project’s aim was to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee by asking individuals to help plant over one million trees nationwide as a gift to the monarch, which would increase and protect native tree cover. The project was extended after the Queen’s death, with her son King Charles III taking over as patron. In total, some 3 million trees have now been planted across the UK.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens is proud to be associated with this very special project which recognises the importance of trees to our environment and wildlife. We look forward to seeing the little sapling spread its roots and serve as a lasting reminder to future generations of our recent Queen and we thank Dame Hilary Chapman for her generous gift.

Pictured: Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE planting the Queen’s oak on the South Lawns.