Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and her team of Deputy Lieutenants were delighted to visit Millennium Country Park in the Forest of Marston Vale on Monday 21 March, which coincided with the Forest celebrating International Day of Forests. The Lord-Lieutenant’s team was wonderfully supported by friends and colleagues at the Forest of Marston Vale and held a tree planting ceremony to celebrate The Queen’s Green Canopy during the year of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Lord-Lieutenant, who recently became the Forest of Marston Vale’s Patron, invited Deputy Lieutenants from across Bedfordshire to join her in this iconic project, and together they planted seven oak trees to commemorate each decade of Her Majesty’s reign. The tree planting ceremony provided an opportunity for the Lieutenancy Team to come together in person and to each play a part in creating a feature which will be a lasting legacy for many years to come.

HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis said: "It is thrilling to witness the enthusiasm of communities, businesses, schools and faith groups who are so actively engaging in this wonderful legacy project to plant trees in every parish of Bedfordshire. My sincere thanks to all of our Local Authorities in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton and to the Forest of Marston Vale for working so effectively and passionately together to support the creation of woodland that will flourish for generations to come."

Forest Director James Russell said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant and the Deputy Lieutenants’ tree planting event in this very special year. Planting trees today will ensure that the Forest continues to grow and provide benefits to people, wildlife and the planet for many years. We’re delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant has chosen to plant trees in the Forest of Marston Vale as part of Bedfordshire’s ongoing Jubilee celebrations.”