A purple beech has been planted at Jersey Zoo in memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. During a small intimate ceremony with staff, His Excellency Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey planted the tree, alongside Durrell’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lesley Dickie.

The purple beech, which is a native tree to Jersey that is known for its beautiful burgundy foliage, can grow to over 40 metres high. It has been planted on the lawn in the zoo by the bronze statue of Jambo, a western lowland gorilla that previously lived at the zoo. 

The planting of the beech is part of a nationwide initiative called the Queen’s Green Canopy, to mark the Platinum Jubilee. It was originally due to conclude in December, the end of the Jubilee year, however, as the official tree planting season in the United Kingdom is from October to March, it was extended until the end of March 2023.

Commenting on this initiative His Excellency Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey said: “Following the wishes of His Majesty The King, as Patron of The Queens Canopy, this wonderful initiative was extended to the end of March. I was delighted and honoured to plant a wonderful Copper Beech tree in the heart of Jersey Zoo. The Queen’s Green Canopy programme, marking the Platinum Jubilee, has been hugely successful with well over a million trees planted across the nation, adding both to our precious environment and helping to raise awareness of the critical need to tackle the environmental challenges that threaten our planet and its biodiversity. Well done Durrell and Jersey Zoo for all their amazing work in helping to support environmental projects, research, education and breeding programmes across the world.”

Dr Lesley Dickie, Chief Executive Officer at Durrell added: “We were pleased that Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, could join us for this tree planting to honour Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s Green Canopy, is helping to create a living legacy for Her Majesty and will serve as a lasting tribute for her service to her country and people. Her Majesty had a long interest and Patronage of conservation organisations and supported and contributed to so many charities around the UK and beyond, enhancing their work by promoting interest in their respective missions. Visitors wanting to pay their respects, can find the tree on our lawn, which is marked with a plaque.”