A new tree has been planted in Lowestoft to mark a special milestone.
The most easterly charter oak tree was planted at Sparrows Nest Gardens as part of an event to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the original 1217 Charter of the Forest.
The sessile oak tree was planted by the mayor of Lowestoft, Ian Graham, during a symbolic ceremony organised by Lowestoft Town Council on Monday, February 5.
A good turnout of guests – including Ormiston Denes Academy students, local organisations, Lowestoft town councillors and Waveney District councillors – attended the event.
It also marked the unveiling of Lowestoft becoming part of the Charter Tree initiative, which will see the town council supporting trees and green spaces within the town. The Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the principles for 'a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together.' It was launched nationally in November last year.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Graham said: 'This tree is symbolic to mark the 800th anniversary of the original 1217 Charter of the Forest.
'It's our commitment to our past and your future, and generations of families will see this nice big oak tree in the future. It is a great place to plant it in this setting, and it is here to mark the Charter of the Forest, which is part of the past, part of our history and part of our future.
'Now on Lowestoft Town Council we have 22 people moving forward, and we are committed to you.'
Among the plans town councillors are looking to progress in the year ahead are improving children's play areas and actively seeking friends groups to help shape the future of their parks.
'This is the first of many events we have planned and we want to involve the young people,' Mr Graham said.
'We will look at how our trees are managed as we are committed to our environment and we have plans to set up friends groups – as we want people to become friends of this park to move forward together.'
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