HUNDREDS of trees have now been planted in a small Colchester village in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

Wilkin and Sons has planted 800 trees at its site in Tiptree, including 70 young oak trees and 96 oak trees.

The plantations, including three kilometres of mixed hedging, mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee and her incredible life. 

The final tree was planted in the site's new Coronation Copse during a special ceremony at which a blue plaque was also unveiled to commemorate Arthur Charles Wilkin, the founder of Wilkin and Sons.

The Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst planted the final tree in the Coronation Copse and also unveiled the commemorative blue plaque.

Representatives from Tiptree Parish Council and Colchester City Council were also at the event.

Chris Newenham, joint managing director of Wilkin and Sons said: “Thank you all for coming today to mark the culmination of our tree planting.

“In the last year we have planted three kilometres of mixed hedging but our main contribution to The Queen’s Green Canopy has been the planting of 70 young oak trees to mark the Jubilee and then an additional 96 oak trees marking the remarkable life of The Late Queen.

“Today is our opportunity to complete the planting in our new Coronation Cops where the 800 saplings cover two sites beside the stream.”

After celebrating the planting of the trees the plaque was unveiled on the wall outside Trewlands Farm house.

The great grandson of the founder, Peter Wilkin unveiled the plaque with Jennifer Tolhurst.

The blue plaque was inspired by Councillor Barbara Wood and Tiptree Parish Council.

Arthur Charles was the middle child of nine children who lived at Trewlands.

His first job was in London but he wasn’t happy so returned to the Tiptree countryside.

He decided to try fruit growing, a first for the area, which proved to be very successful.

Walter Scott, chairman of Wilkin and Sons said: “We are quite good at planting trees at Tiptree and this started long before it became so fashionable.”

Walter mentioned the company’s proud links with the Royal family, having held a Royal Warrant since 1911.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “It is lovely to be here again, the last time was with the Wessex’s, now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

“You all know the history of the company, but it is interesting that the founder’s key message was quality, integrity, consistency and sustainability, themes that continue to this day.”