Donated by New Milton Town Council, the eight trees were planted in the grounds of the independent school as part of the national planting initiative to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year.

With help from the eco-ambassadors – pupils at the school who work together throughout the year to support green initiatives and environmentally-friendly activities – the trees were planted on Friday 11 March.

The eco-ambassadors, in Years 3 to 6, helped select the location for the mix of crab apple, flowering cherry and European beech, which have been planted near to an existing line of trees between the school Astro-turf pitch and Ballard Water Meadows.

The deputy mayor of New Milton Cllr Bob Murrow, Cllr Steve Clarke, Cllr Geoff Blunden, and Graham Flexman, the town clerk joined the eco-ambassadors for the tree planting event.

Headmaster Andrew McCleave said: “The Ballard community as a whole is very excited to learn about and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, and we are delighted to have taken part in this National initiative which will see tens of thousands of trees planted across the UK.

“These saplings, so generously donated by our New Milton Town Council, will grow and develop alongside the children that helped to plant them, and in years to come, pupils at Ballard school will one day play beneath their shade, or even climb their branches.

“They are a beautiful addition to our school; part of a fitting legacy for Her Majesty, and a living symbol of our hope for the future too.”

Individuals and organisations across the United Kingdom are being encouraged to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’ – to enhance the environment and create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s incredible service to the Nation.

The new trees at Ballard, home grown in the UK and bought from Hilliers Trees, already stand at around three metres tall. They will be added to the national map of the Queen’s Green Canopy, marking out all the trees planted for the Jubilee across the country. The school will order commemorative plaques to ensure their special significance is recognised for years to come.

Other trees planted by New Milton Town Council this year include a tulip tree, planted by the mayor on the recreation ground commemorating the Queen’s Jubilee, as well as native trees planted at the town’s green spaces at Long Meadow, Ashley Recreation Ground, Caird Avenue and Barrs Road (opposite Ballard Lake). All trees planted by the town council in 2022 will be recorded on the Queen’s Green Canopy Map.

New Milton town councillor Steve Clarke said: “We are proud to be supporting this wonderful national initiative and to see new trees planted across our community.

“The children at Ballard have been engaged and involved throughout, and I know these eight trees will be well taken care of by the current pupils and future generations alike.”