York date for Princess Royal (From York Press)

Princess Royal to officially open Diamond Wood in York

7:30am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

THE PRINCESS Royal will officially open a new community wood at the University of York next week.

Named Diamond Wood, the plantation was commissioned as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee , and is one of only 60 across the country – one to mark each year of Her Majesty’s reign.

Situated at Kimberlow Hill on the University’s new campus extension, Heslington East, it is a 60-acre site and is the only one in North Yorkshire.

The Woodland Trust aims to plant more than six million trees nationwide as part of the project that will serve as a living legacy to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

About 23,000 trees have been planted by the university so far, with a further 10,000 to be planted this Autumn, which will take place during a community action week in November.

As patron for the project, The Princess Royal will plant a ceremonial oak tree at the Diamond Wood on Tuesday and officially declare it open.

Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, said: “It is a great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to York. We look forward to showing her our new Diamond Wood which will provide an inspiring area for local people to explore, relax and enjoy.”