Chawton House marks the Queen’s platinum Jubilee with the planting of ‘Elizabeth Copse’
Posted: 31st May 2022
Chawton House, Hampshire, May 2022. Ahead of the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June, Chawton House announces long-term plans to mark the celebration with the restoration of an old copse, re-naming it ‘Elizabeth Copse’. Found within the freely accessibly Parkland, the site overlooks Chawton village, with spectacular views of the rolling Hampshire countryside, as well as lying within sight of the ‘Diamond Jubilee Copse’, planted for Queen Victoria when the estate last historically marked a long-living female monarch with the planting of trees.
The woods are regularly used by residents of the local village, children's forest school groups and visitors to the historic Jane Austen House and Chawton House.
“It’s wonderful to join in the celebrations in a way that also benefits the community and environment, and echoes how Montagu and Florence Knight marked Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1897,” says Chief Executive, Katie Childs. “Over Lockdown, we made sure to keep our Parklands open and freely accessible to the public, at a time when people needed the outdoors most for their wellbeing. Our supporters in turn helped Chawton House when Storm Eunice wreaked havoc on the estate, generously donating funds and services to help restore Mingledown Woods. This is part of a long-term plan to improve natural habitats across the estate, and an opportunity to not only mark the reign of HM The Queen, but the many remarkable Elizabeths who have shaped Chawton House’s history.”
Chawton House joined with Chawton WI to apply for trees as part of the Woodland Trust’s Schools and Communities Tree Planting Programme. The successful application will see the delivery of over 200 British native trees, which will be planted in the Parkland of the Estate.
"We are delighted to be working with Chawton House on the first stage of the tree planting project which will celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Details of the rest of the project will be coming later, when we will plant trees to celebrate Chawton WI’s 70th anniversary, for which we hope to have community wide involvement”, Margaret Crowe, President, Chawton WI.
As well as marking the Jubilee, the planting restores an existing copse, originally created after 1840. By renaming the copse, Chawton House follows its tradition of commemorating significant women, and celebrates several Elizabeths who have contributed to Chawton’s rich history. These include the only female “squire”, Elizabeth Martin Knight and Jane Austen’s sister-in-law Elizabeth Bridges Knight.
The planting will take place in the late autumn or early winter, as this is the best time of year for the saplings to thrive.
What’s on at Chawton House over the Jubilee Weekend
Thursday 2 June & Saturday 4 June 2022
Pre-order a delicious Jubilee Picnic Box and enjoy a day out in the Hampshire countryside with your loved ones. Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as you admire the stunning Gardens at Chawton House and find yourself a picture-perfect spot to enjoy your picnic in. Adult Jubilee Picnic Box £12, Child Jubilee Picnic Box £6
Sunday 5 June 2022
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with free entry to the beautiful Gardens at Chawton House on Sunday 5 June. Admire the stunning roses blooming in the Rose Garden, explore the Wilderness, and enjoy a fun-filled day out in the Hampshire countryside with all your loved ones.