Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has attended a tree planting ceremony
It was held by The Marquess of Abergavenny on his Eridge Park estate, near Crowborough, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year and celebrate her 70 years of service.
Eridge is reputed to be the oldest enclosed deer park in England and Lord Abergavenny was pleased to welcome local residents, local organisations and others with an interest in planting more trees to commemorate The Queen’s Jubilee.
The tree planting on Friday December 10 was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, and Nusrat Ghani MP, who planted the two elm trees.
Nus Ghani said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful concept, and I am delighted to be here at Eridge Park today. Not only are we playing a crucial part in helping combat climate change, we are also reminding ourselves of the incredible service that our Queen has given to this country. Taking part in the project is as easy as planting a tree in your own garden and I greatly encourage Wealden residents, schools and individuals with land available to take part.”
In his welcoming address, Lord Abergavenny explained the importance of planting trees for future generations. He said: “At Eridge Park, we have an important role to play in preserving this wonderful estate. It is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the trees have been carefully chosen to suit the location. We are planting disease-resistant elms along this section of the Sussex border path as there used to be a beautiful line of elms bordering the road.”
Nus has also been to the Horam Gap Project
The GAP project proposes the construction of a 1km long all-weather exercise path around the perimeter of the recreation ground, which could be used by communities all year round for exercising. Similar projects in other areas in East Sussex including Hailsham have proven to be of great benefit to walkers, runners and mobility scooter users who struggle with the uneven and often muddy terrain of our countryside paths.
A community survey of residents of Horam and surrounding areas carried out in 2020 showed overwhelming support for the proposals. A planning application was submitted to and recently approved by Wealden District Council. Nusrat is supporting the Horam Village Hall trustees in exploring ways of raising funds for the construction.
Nus Ghani said: “Health, leisure and sport facilities play a key role in building resilience and well-being of our communities post-pandemic and this all-weather, 1km long pathway would provide great exercise opportunities for the residents of Horam and the surrounding areas. This project would be a great enhancement of the recreational facilities available in Wealden and I am pleased to support it.”
Mike Woodhouse, Chair of Trustees said: “It was a pleasure to meet Nus, update her on the progress of GAP and the benefits it will bring to Horam and secure her support. We are delighted that the application for this project has been approved and we look forward to working with Nus and the Wealden District Council to secure financial support for the project.”
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