Purple beech at Jersey Zoo in memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Publish date: 05 Apr 2023

A purple beech has been planted at Jersey Zoo in memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. During a small intimate ceremony with staff, Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey planted the tree, alongside Durrell’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lesley Dickie.

The purple beech, which is a native tree to Jersey that is known for its beautiful burgundy foliage, can grow to over 40 metres high. It has been planted on the lawn in the zoo by the bronze statue of Jambo, a western lowland gorilla that previously lived at the zoo.

The planting of the beech is part of a nationwide initiative called the Queen’s Green Canopy, to mark the Platinum Jubilee. It was originally due to conclude in December, the end of the Jubilee year, however, as the official tree planting season in the United Kingdom is from October to March, it was extended until the end of March 2023.

Commenting on this initiative Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey said: “Following the wishes of His Majesty The King, as Patron of The Queens Canopy, this wonderful initiative was extended to the end of March. I was delighted and honoured to plant a wonderful Copper Beech tree in the heart of Jersey Zoo. The Queen’s Green Canopy programme, marking the Platinum Jubilee, has been hugely successful with well over a million trees planted across the nation, adding both to our precious environment and helping to raise awareness of the critical need to tackle the environmental challenges that threaten our planet and its biodiversity. Well done Durrell and Jersey Zoo for all their amazing work in helping to support environmental projects, research, education and breeding programmes across the world.”

Dr Lesley Dickie, Chief Executive Officer at Durrell added: “We were pleased that Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, could join us for this tree planting to honour Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s Green Canopy, is helping to create a living legacy for Her Majesty and will serve as a lasting tribute for her service to her country and people. Her Majesty had a long interest and Patronage of conservation organisations and supported and contributed to so many charities around the UK and beyond, enhancing their work by promoting interest in their respective missions. Visitors wanting to pay their respects, can find the tree on our lawn, which is marked with a plaque.”

For more news from Jersey Zoo, please see here: Durrell.org/news

Latest news

31 May 2023

Summer Solstice and the Sunset Concerts

The weekend closest to the summer solstice is when the annual Sunset Concerts take place. Organised by The National Trust for Jersey all proceeds from the concerts go towards its Coastline campaign - a campaign to save areas of Jersey’s coastline.
30 May 2023

Jersey International Film Festival reports it’s highest audience numbers

The 13th Parish Film Festival reported it’s most successful edition to date, after four days and nights of international film and events at the Jersey Arts Centre.
24 May 2023

Jet2 celebrates 15 years in Jersey

Since its first flight to the Island in 2008 the airline has flown more than 300,000 passengers here, with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
Durrell Challenge 2023
22 May 2023

Challenge raises nearly £9,000 for Durrell

This year’s Durrell Challenge raised nearly £9,000, for the charity’s work saving species from extinction.
18 May 2023

Bloomin’ Marvellous! Wild Orchid Fields Open

Bloomin’ Marvellous! Wild Orchid Fields Open. The Trust are inviting islanders to come along and see these exotic flowers this weekend and during its forthcoming #LoveNature Festival which starts on Sunday 28th May.
16 May 2023

The Atlantic Hotel welcomes the Legends Tour for second year

The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey is pleased to be the official hotel partner for the prestigious Legends Tour for the second consecutive year.
05 May 2023

Visit Jersey & Condor Ferries French campaign launches

Visti Jersey's new spring campaign with Condor Ferries is inspiring visitors from France, showcasing unique experiences, stunning landscapes and local flavours.
04 May 2023

The Pomme wins British Airways’ Customer Excellence Award 2022

Pomme d'Or Hotel is delighted to announce that it has received a British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2022.
Walk in the Park
26 Apr 2023

Lace up and get active, with Walk in the Park this May

Prepare to stretch your legs and put a spring in your step with the return of Walk in the Park this May.
Twiggy the Aldabra tortoise at Jersey Zoo
31 Mar 2023

“Aldabra-cadabra” Jersey Zoo’s latest giant residents

Jersey Zoo have welcomed four Aldabra giant tortoises; Twiggy, Mike, Helen and Biggie. They arrived at Jersey Zoo in November from Bristol Zoo and have been in quarantine until now.
30 Mar 2023

Digital Jersey partners with Visit Jersey to give tourism businesses a digital boost

Digital Jersey has partnered with Visit Jersey to help give the island’s tourism and hospitality industry a digital boost through a series of specialist skills sessions this Spring.
16 Mar 2023

Durrell to benefit from Eat Jersey Charity Auction

Since the inception of Eat Jersey in 2015, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has been the food festival’s philanthropic partner. Headquartered at Jersey Zoo, Durrell not only does vital work around the world to save species from extinction, but is a much-loved visitor attraction and community champion in the island.