ROYAL Mail has celebrated Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a new 21-acre woodland in St Helens.
The area, equivalent to 20 football pitches, was established in 2023 as part of Her Late Majesty's Queen’s Green Canopy near the North West Parcel Hub in neighbouring Warrington.
The Queen’s Green Canopy marks the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, during which people across the UK were encouraged to "plant a tree for the Jubilee."
Part of Bold Forest Park within The Mersey Forest, the woodland features 14,500 trees, hedges, and a wild meadow.
Royal Mail united with several prominent figures to plant three trees from the collections of the late Queen and the King.
Amongst these was a tree grafted from the Ankerwycke Yew at Runnymede, Berkshire, a tree believed to have witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.
Two Queen Elizabeth II Royal Oaks were also planted, originating from Her Late Majesty's collection at Windsor Great Park.
The Royal Mail Woodland connects two pre-existing woods, Clock Face Country Park and Griffin Wood, in Bold Forest Park.
Local armed forces veterans and children from Willow Tree Primary School in St Helens planted the woodland, which includes native hedging, more than an acre of species-rich wild grassland meadow, and a rewilded pond.
Paul Nolan, director of The Mersey Forest, said: "We were thrilled when Royal Mail approached us to help find a site for them to develop a woodland.
"This spot, within Bold Forest Park, provided a great opportunity to link up established woodlands, for the benefit of nature, people, and climate."
Funding for the woodland came from several sources, including The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme, St Helens Council’s Omega Biodiversity Net Gain fund, and the Arbor Day Foundation.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "The Royal Mail Woodland, just a stone’s throw from our Warrington Parcel Hub, aims to build on the vibrant and diverse habitat which already exists at The Mersey Forest.
"We are honoured that the King has generously gifted the Royal oaks and yew which are centuries’ old reminders of the longevity and love of the British public for trees.
"They also provide the Mersey community with a physical connection to the Royal Family and the Late Queen’s Green Canopy legacy."
The Mersey Forest will monitor the wildlife on this site and organise activities for the community including nature conservation sessions for local schools, a Bio Blitz event this summer, and regular volunteering sessions.