The new King is passionate about the environment, so in support of this, each pupil will receive a packet of wildflower seeds and a commemorative trowel to help them grow their own garden. The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Leah Smyth will visit all the schools to present the Coronation Trees and gifts from Friday 21 April to Friday 28 April.
The Mayor, Alderman Stephen Ross commented, “As it has been 70 years from the Coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II, we wanted to gift something lasting to the children in the Borough to commemorate the new Monarch. It is our hope that each tree and packet of wildflower seeds planted, will provide a visible and tangible reminder of this historic occasion.”
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Leah Smyth added, “The idea behind the wildflower seeds and Coronation trees was inspired by King Charles III and his love of gardening. He has spent a lifetime championing the environment and we hope these tokens will spark a similar interest in horticulture amongst the young people in the Borough.”
The trees to be planted include the Oak, Hazel and Rowan species which will provide a valuable habitat for a wealth of insects, mammals, birds and understory plants. Likewise, the wildflowers will provide pollinators and insects with food from leaves, pollen, nectar, shelter and places to breed. Both of these actions support the Council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
This initiative is just one of the many events which have been planned by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to celebrate the Coronation. Events also include ‘The Big Lunch’ at Antrim Lough Shore and Hazelbank Park, a live broadcast of the Coronation and the ‘The Coronation Concert’ at both Antrim Castle Gardens and Jordanstown Loughshore Park as well as a ‘Big Help Out’ across the Borough.
For details on the full Royal line-up visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/kings-coronation