Barton Farm Oak Tree

Kate Nicholls reports on the oak tree planted at Barton Farm country park to mark Queen Elizabeth Il's diamond jubilee

The oak tree was planted in 2012 to commemorate the late Queen's diamond jubilee. You may recognise a few people in the photo, below, in particular our MP at the time, Duncan Hames, Preservation Trust president, Robert Floyd, the Trust chairman at the time, David Moss, and the late Simon Relph, who masterminded the planning of Hens' Orchard and arranged the planting of the Jubilee tree.

A plaque was placed near the tree, celebrating the occasion.

The tree grew well but the plaque was damaged twice in the years after: in 2017 and again 2020. Also, in 2020, one of the high branches was damaged and had to be removed.

Now for a third time the plaque has been repaired and replaced. A new stake and backing for the slate plaque, beautifully made by the Men's Shed, has been put in place by the Town Wardens. Our thanks to all of them.

You can see the flourishing tree, with the newly replaced plaque, at Barton Farmnot far from the Tithe Barn, and close to the path going up towards the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath.