As part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Green Canopy initiative, colleagues at Lancaster University have completed the installation of a 70-tree arboretum trail around campus, with each unique tree marking a special event and creating a ‘walk through time’, from 1952 to 2022.

Led by the University’s Landscape Manager and the Grounds Team, along with student and staff volunteers, the trail will provide an educational resource at Lancaster, and will help to support both student and staff wellbeing by encouraging people to follow the trail and experience the wonderful opportunities that the outdoor elements of the campus have to offer.

A special interpretation sign sits beside each tree, offering more information on the environmental or horticultural benefits of each tree. Based on its location on campus, each tree will also relate to an individual Lancaster college or associated institution from around the world, representing some of the global partnerships that Lancaster is proud to be a part of.

During a time when climate change is one of the most significant issues affecting our planet, this trail is ever more pertinent. It supports Lancaster University’s declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency, and our commitment to lead endeavours in taking action against climate change. The benefits of tree planting to ecology and biodiversity are enormous, and we hope this initial trail could be the catalyst to develop a much larger arboretum.

The completion of the trail was marked by a special ceremony earlier this year, where Lancaster University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Schofield, planted the 70^th tree of the arboretum. Speaking of the benefits of the trail, Professor Schofield said, “I am delighted that Lancaster University is now home to this wonderful trail. It is proven that trees promote health and wellbeing, so to have this resource for our students, staff and visitors is marvellous. As a university, we are committed to addressing the growing concerns about climate change, and this trail is one of the steps we have taken to support the natural ecology and biodiversity that we are lucky to have on campus. A huge thank you to all of our staff, students, volunteers and donors who have made this trail possible.”

The University’s Landscape Manager, upon completion of the trail, said: “The funding made available through the alumni programme has provided a fantastic opportunity to both mark the Queen’s coronation year and provide a beneficial facility on campus for students and staff. It has been a great learning opportunity for the staff and volunteers involved, bringing together people from across the campus community in its development and implementation.”

Thank you to all of our supporters who have generously donated to enable this special project at Lancaster University. As well as being a living legacy to Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, the University now has a long-lasting asset, enhancing the wonderful natural resources that our campus provides, promoting our dedication to biodiversity and a greener global climate. For that, we are extremely proud and grateful.

Visit our website to learn more about the trail.