A commemorative plaque has been installed next to an oak tree that was planted in Colyford in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

The English oak tree, Quercus robur, and plaque can be seen by visitors to Seaton Wetlands walking from the Seaton Lane entrance opposite Pope’s Lane. 

The sapling was planted at the wetlands within the Colyford boundary as part of the Queen's Green Canopy project, after local resident Annie Thompson joined forces with East Devon District Council to find a suitable site. Colyford Common, which is owned by the Burgesses of Colyford, would have been the logical choice, but the tree would not have survived there because the common floods with sea water during the winter, so East Devon District Council’s Countryside team offered the location at Seaton Wetlands as an alternative. 

The tree was cared for during the summer by Annie and her husband Julian, and the plaque was unveiled earlier this month by Howard West, Acting Clerk to the Burgesses. Annie was among the group who attended, along with the chair of East Devon District Council, Cllr Ian Thomas, and its leader Cllr Paul Arnott. 

Annie said:  “Colyford now has a special place of memorial and remembrance which marks Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s long and industrious reign and will be meaningful for many years to come. 

 “This tree is even more important to us now, as it’s the year in which Queen Elizabeth sadly passed away, aged 96 years. 

 “People walking past the tree in future years will be able to say they remember when it was planted, and look at how it’s grown!” 

 Cllr Thomas said: “I am delighted to see another addition to oak trees planted across East Devon for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. 

“Our council gifted oak saplings with a commemorative plaque to towns and parishes throughout East Devon. This network of trees also contributes to the Queen Elizabeth’s Green Canopy project. 

 “Commemorative oak trees, renowned for their longevity, strength, and unique position in the national landscape, will serve as an important local reminder of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, as well as supporting EDDC’s carbon neutral and environment priorities.”