PUTTING DOWN ROOTS AT THE DEVON COUNTY SHOW: ONE HUNDRED NEW TREES TO BE PLANTED AT WESTPOINT SHOWGROUND FOR 2019

 Devon’s famous Lucombe Oak among 100 new trees to mark the Forestry Commission’s centenary year at the showground in May.

 The Forestry Commission is providing100 new trees at Westpoint Showground, home of the Devon County Show, as part of its centenary year celebrations.

A commemorative Lucombe Oak, an evergreen hybrid discovered by Exeter nurseryman William Lucombe in the late 18th century, will be the centrepiece among the new trees being donated by the Forestry Commission. The Lucombe Oak will be planted at Westpoint by the Commission’s chairman Sir Harry Studholme Bt DL.

 Sir Harry, who also happens to be the Devon County Show’s new President said: “The Forestry Commission is celebrating its centenary with events all over the UK but I can think of nowhere more special or appropriate than the Devon County Show, to mark this prestigious year. The Forestry Commission planted its first trees in Devon at Eggesford Forest 100 years ago, so it seems fitting that we mark our centenary here in Devon and the County Show at Westpoint is the perfect place.”

 Other trees being planted as part of the celebrations at the Show (taking place May 16-18) will be:

  • 80 beech (of which 60 are Copper Beech
  • 14 Honeysuckle
  • 5 Spindle

Many of the trees have already been planted in what will be the County Show’s dedicated Hi-Line Country Life and Woodland Area. Some have been planted in such a way that they will provide new hedging at the showground.

Other celebrations to mark the Forestry Commission’s centenary will include a show ale - Forest Centenary Ale - being brewed specially for the occasion and for sale exclusively over the event. There’ll also be a campaign to find Devon’s favourite tree.

 Sir Harry added: “As we face ever greater environmental challenges there has never been a more important time for the Forestry Commission. We look forward to sharing our message and news of our work ensuring our nation’s forests are resilient for generations to come. And to welcoming tree-lovers young and old at the Hi-Line Country Life and Woodland Area.”

 ENDS

 Notes for editors

  • Devon County Show 2019 is at Westpoint Showground, Exeter, May 16, 17 and 18
  • New trees donated by the Forestry Commission will be at the Hi-Line Country Life and Woodland Area
  • The Forestry Commission is the UK’s largest landowner and manages more than 1500 forests
  • For more information visit:www.forestryengland.uk/100
  • The Lucombe Oak was discovered by William Lucombe in St Thomas, Exeter in 1762
  • The theme for the Devon County Show this year is Cream of Devon

For interviews and further information please contact Heloise D’Souza on 07770 988612 or heloise@dsouzapr.co.uk