News and Updates
Category: Development
3 May 2022
Veteran Oak Tree at Eddington to be part of Ancient Canopy to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The University of Cambridge is delighted that the Veteran Oak Tree at Eddington has been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Trees to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications – the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.
The Veteran Oak Tree
The Veteran Oak Tree at Eddington is approximately 430 years old. It is likely to have seeded or been planted sometime around 1592, in the reign of Elizabeth I, who was monarch from 1558 to 1603.
The Veteran Oak Tree holds local civic importance as it is the Parish boundary tree between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. The tree sat centrally in the site of the University owned farm prior to the commencement of the construction of Eddington in 2013.
The University and local community recognised the importance of the tree and sought to ensure its survival for centuries more. Therefore, a management plan was produced to protect and maintain the tree’s health throughout the development and thereafter.
Located at Turing Way, the Veteran Oak Tree is an important landmark that contributes to the local biodiversity at Eddington, and it is also one of our most celebrated natural features in our new community.
The Queen’s Green Canopy
The inclusion of the Veteran Oak Tree on The Queen’s Green Canopy is a symbolic gift which involves the voluntary dedication of forests and woodland to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. The scheme recognises trees as symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital spaces for health and well-being activities.
This nomination enhances and celebrates the Veteran Oak Tree’s history at Eddington and recognises the efforts that have been made to protect the tree for the benefit of the community, now and for future generations.
Ecology Walking Tour of Eddington
Eddington is a new community in Cambridge, delivered by the University of Cambridge. This visionary urban area is committed to being a sustainable neighbourhood and provides new homes, learning spaces, amenities and green spaces in a vibrant environment for people to live, learn, and socialise in.
The University of Cambridge’s Eddington team is offering an Ecology Walking Tour by the Project Ecologist, Mike Dean as part of Cambridge Nature Festival on Tuesday 7 June. As part of this event for the community, visitors can hear about the Veteran Oak Tree and other major areas of ecological enhancement that support biodiversity in this new neighbourhood. For more details and to book your free place, visit the Eddington website.
