Oak tree re-planted in Corporation Park to mark King Charles III Coronation

To commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6^th an English Oak tree has been taken from King George V Playing Fields in Blackburn and re-planted in Corporation Park.

Tree planting is a tradition to mark Royal Coronations and two trees were originally planted in Corporation Park on June 2, 1953 to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The original Oak trees were planted by Councillor John Stirrup and Mayor of County Borough of Blackburn, Councillor Robert Wier but shortly after the Queen’s death last year one of the trees became diseased and for Health and Safety reasons it was removed.

In recent weeks the Green Spaces Manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council found an English Oak Tree in the original King George V Playing Fields – also known as Pleasington Playing Fields to place back in Corporation Park.

These two trees now stand side by side, together to represent a devoted mother and son.

Two plaques were donated by Brent Stevenson of Stevenson Memorials to mark the King’s  Coronation and can now be seen on display.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Suleman Khonat and Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive, Denise Park,were also joined by members of the Friends of Corporation Park and the Secretary of Corporation Park Supporters’ Group.

The Mayor, said:

This is a wonderful way to mark the King’s Coronation and the history behind the tree planting tells a great story. We are lucky to have been able to re-plant the tree and bring back the history to Corporation Park.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive, Denise Park, said:

It is wonderful to see that our future generations will be able to visit Corporation Park and see the history behind the tree planting. This is an environmentally-friendly way to mark the Coronation and the trees on display show the connection between our late Queen and new King in a way that will leave a lasting legacy.

Chair of Corporation Park Supporters Group, Nicola Beswick, said:

We were sorry to see one of the oaks planted for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation come down in the year of her passing and are delighted that a new chapter of both our country and our park’s history is marked with the new Oak. Also aligned to King Charles’ passions for both heritage and the environment, the restoration and revival of the conservatory in Corporation Park remains a key goal for our group.

She also said that the supporters group are looking for partners to help in realise the vision of creating a pioneering facility for ecological, horticultural and sustainability research and development for Corporation Park – subjects which are close to the heart of the new King.

Nicola added:

With the conservatory’s 125 year anniversary approaching in 2025 we hope that innovation in the park’s legacy as a public asset can also be met with pride by us and the wider community.

To get involved email: info@corporationparksupportersgroup.com.