The planting of 20 Yoshino cherry trees in Old Deer Park, in Richmond, to honour the Coronation of King Charles III has been celebrated.

The borough's new Mayor, Councillor Suzette Nicholson, led a ceremony to mark what is expected to grow into a spectacular and colourful addition to the historic park.

The trees will grow to become a standout feature in the park, which is renowned for its royal connections dating back to Queen Elizabeth I.

The tree is renowned for producing a visually stunning floral display of white and pink blossom, providing a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees, that are emerging at the start of spring.

The Yoshino cherry trees offer different attributes throughout the year, and visitors will see an array of bold autumnal colours in later months.

The Council's Trees and Parks teams have worked together with the Old Deer Park Working Group to provide the new trees.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee said: "It is wonderful that we can celebrate the Coronation by planting trees, especially as they play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of our borough.

"We are proud to have a tree planting programme in place, that has seen over 2,000 trees planted in the last four years, and over 700 during our most recent planting season.

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"As we enter the warmer months, we will need support from the community with watering the newly planted trees. Their help can ensure our trees continue to thrive."

The Mayor, Cllr Suzette Nicholson, celebrates planting of 'Coronation trees'

The Yoshino cherry trees will grow to become a standout feature in the park, which is renowned for its historic royal connections.

This variety of the plant produces a visually stunning floral display, providing a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees, that are emerging at the start of spring.

The Yoshino cherry trees offer different attributes throughout the year, and visitors will see an array of bold autumnal colours in later months.

Peter Willan, Chair of the Old Deer Park Working Group, said: "The Group is delighted to be working with the Council's Trees and Parks teams on the tree planting and other enhancements of the Old Deer Park.

"The Group comprises five societies: The Richmond Society, The Kew Society, The Friends of Richmond Green, The Friends of Old Deer Park and The St. Margarets Estate Residents Association."

The project has been made possible through the generous support and funding donated by the Old Deer Park Working Group, who are invested in the current and future treescape of this valuable open space.

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The Council's Trees team are committed to increasing tree planting across the borough.

Find out more about tree planting and watering in the borough - https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/parks_and_open_spaces/trees/tree_planting_and_watering