Balham to Celebrate Queen's Diamond Jubilee With a Tree

To mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June this year, Balham will receive a black poplar tree donated by tree expert Roger Jefcoate.

For over thirty years Mr Jefcoate has campaigned to raise the profile of the native black poplar tree and he has donated trees to be planted all over London to celebrate the Jubilee. 

Wandsworth's mayor, Cllr Jane Cooper, joined representatives from all thirty two London boroughs to collect the trees from Sir David Attenborough at a special ceremony in Holland Park.

In Wandsworth the trees will be planted in six different locations early in the new year - one each in Wandsworth, Balham, Battersea, Tooting, Roehampton and Putney.

At the presentation ceremony where Mayor Cllr Jane Cooper received the trees for Wandswoth, organiser Sir David Brewer, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, said: "The black poplar initiative epitomises the inclusivity that I am seeking to bring to next year's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and I hope that all 7.5 million residents in the 32 boroughs will become involved.  I encourage you to participate fully in next year's events whether it is locally or centrally in the national celebrations planned for the June Bank Holiday Weekend."

Cllr Cooper said: "It was an honour to receive these trees on behalf of the people of Wandsworth. They will serve as a living reminder of the Queens Jubilee for many years to come."