A PLAQUE celebrating the seven trees that were planted to mark the seven decades of The Queen’s reign has been unveiled by a royal representative.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, unveiled the sign, which marks Salisbury Cathedral’s Queens Green Canopy planting.
Seven saplings have been planted in the Cathedral Close spot as part of the planting programme launched to mark Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The plaque marking the tree planting is mounted on a stone from the Cathedral Works Yard, a suitably natural ‘sculptural’ block, complete with embedded fossils.
Sourced from Chicksgrove Quarry, the same stone is used for cathedral conservation and restoration and is taken from the same seam as the stone used to build the cathedral in the 13th century.

Below: A close-up of the plaque that marks the site of the plantation. Pictures by Finnbar Webster

The Lord Lieutenant was joined by Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, the cathedral’s canon treasurer, Canon Kenneth Padley, clerk of works Gary Price and members of the Cathedral Chapter for a short unveiling ceremony, after which the Dean said a short prayer for Her Late Majesty and for King Charles.
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, said: “Our green canopy is a living tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a cherished project for the initiative’s patron and champion, King Charles.
“We look forward to our saplings growing and thriving in sight of the Cathedral’s soaring Spire, giving joy to visitors and residents alike for hundreds of years to come.”
Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sarah Troughton said: “Thousands of trees have been planted all over the county and across the UK, a moving tribute to a very special monarch, and a treasured friend.
“What better place to remember someone who has given so much to this country and who loved the natural world than the cathedral’s lovely historic close.”
The trees and the plaque are sited at the far end of Marsh Close in the Cathedral Close and can be reached on foot via an opening opposite the Harnham Gate.