In celebration of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, York Racecourse is supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy by planting trees.

To help enhance the local environment and biodiversity, York Racecourse has planted five different types of tree at its Stableside complex; an ‘Apricot Queen’, Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, Silver Birch and a Plum.   The planting supports a wider Queen’s Green Canopy initiative by British Racing where over 700 trees will be planted across 23 of Britain’s racecourses. 

Zac Rafferty, Head Gardener at York Racecourse, led the planting and is a graduate of the Royal Horticultural Society with a Masters of Horticulture, which York Racecourse sponsored him through, Zak commented:

“Supporting the environment and improving local biodiversity is a priority at York Racecourse.  These newly planted trees, the existing flora and fauna, as well as the colourful flower displays the racecourse is renowned for on its racedays are all important assets to help support and strengthen the local ecosystem”.

William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse added:

“We are proud of the rich history York Racecourse has enjoyed with HM The Queen, from welcoming many of her racehorses to when Royal Ascot was held on the Knavesmire in 2005.  We are therefore delighted to support the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, whilst importantly also supporting the environment”.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created for Her Majesty’s landmark year, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. With a focus on planting sustainably, the Queen’s Green Canopy will encourage planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations. The official tree planting season takes place between October to March and before recommencing in October, through to the end of the Jubilee year.