CORONATION TREES

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 206, 31 August 1936, Page 11

CORONATION TREES

. AN ENGLISH PLAN. MILLIONS OF SAPLINGS. OAK TO REPRESENT KING. (Special.—By Air Mail.) LONDON", August 8. A chain of trees to be planted across the length and breadth of Britain to commemorate the, King's Coronation is suggested by The Men of the. Trees, an organisation whose members act as guardians of Britain's forests and wood, lands. Mr. Richard- St. Barbe Baker, founder of the guardians, said: "The plan is to plant saplings in town, village and countryside from Land's End to John o' Groats." He added that each group, within sight of the other, would consist of nine trees—an oak to represent the King; eight others to indicate that he is King Edward VIII. The trees —millions of them—would be planted, it is hoped, by local authorities, assisted by scouts, guides and school children. The cost, including wiring against rabbits, maintenance and replacements, would lie borne out of special local funds. Thus the whole nation would join in a thanksgiving memorial which would last for all time. Beauty, blossom, food for birds, composition of the soil and climate would have to. be considered in choosing the trees. Wild cherry, mountain ash, chestnut, beech, sycamore and walnut would lend themselves best to the schcme. The first planting would begin in the extreme south-western corner of the Duchy of Cornwall, and continue northwards and eastwards, spreading out in a series of chains linking county with county. Mr. Baker think* such a plan will appeal to public imagination and serve the dual purpose of reafforcstating and beautifying the countryside.