When BBC Countryfile visited Leeds Castle in the lead-up to our 900th anniversary, something that particularly captured their attention was the variety of historic trees located around the estate.
From native broadleaved trees to evergreen pines, some of the most beautiful standout trees that we have on-site today were planted centuries ago – some of them possibly bearing witness to significant historical events, such as the visit of Henry VIII to the Castle in June 1520.
It is the job of our dedicated team of Estate Rangers to care for the variety of woodland habitats, but with many trees now beginning to show their age, they’re in need of some urgent care in order for them to survive for centuries to come.
To coincide with the Castle’s 900th anniversary this year, we are embarking on an ambitious conservation programme called, ‘Rooting for Future Generations’. With help from friends of Leeds Castle, we want to ensure the estate’s oldest and most majestic trees are still here for the Castle’s millennia, such as the beautiful ‘Tree of Judea’, a wonderfully floral tree located at the Barbican; and the magnificent ‘Cedar of Lebanon’, the most iconic tree on the Cedar Lawn.
As part of this much needed conservation programme, we have been inviting friends of the Castle and companies we work with to become official sponsors for one or more of these glorious trees. It’s great news that several companies have already put themselves forward as sponsors, including The Oak & Rope Company, Jackson Lifts and Hob Mechanical Services Ltd, but there are yet more historic trees that need specialist help to maintain them for many years to come.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk who will send you our sponsorship package options.
