Planting of the Platinum Oak at Ashridge House

Thursday 3 March 2022 was an historic day at Ashridge House. To mark the extraordinary 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, they were joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, for the planting of a Quercus robur –  also known as an English oak tree – to commemorate the auspicious occasion.

The planting ceremony also marked the beginning of a year-long planting programme at Ashridge House;  encompassing both the celebration of its rich heritage and its focus on sustainability. In a speech before planting the oak tree, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire highlighted the importance of nurturing and increasing green spaces; championing The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative that invites people across the UK to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’.

Pupils from the local school, Little Gaddesden Church of England Primary, also attended the planting ceremony.  Whilst dressed as their favourite literary characters for World Book Day, students aged 8-11 took turns in assisting with planting the oak tree. Afterwards they presented HM Lord-Lieutenant with letters they’d written to Her Majesty The Queen, thanking her for her dedication to the country and congratulating her for her 70-year reign.

Once the planting ceremony was complete, the children enjoyed a very British tea party prepared fresh on site by  Ashridge House chefs. Meanwhile, senior leaders of EF Hult and Ashridge House spoke with Robert Voss CBE CStJ  about the property’s layered history and exciting future.

Ashridge House now looks forward to welcoming more people to be part of its story.

There’s a palpable sense of rich heritage at the heart of Ashridge House. Once a royal residence to the infamous King  Henry VIII and Elizabeth I there are over 700 years of fascinating history to delve into.

It’s been a private house, a military hospital and even a maternity ward during WWII. With its captivating past,  Ashridge House is opening its doors to the future. It has curated a programme of events that will give the local community and those from further afield the chance to enjoy and interact with the stunning scenery and diverse  history.

A series of public events in 2021 were a roaring success with over 56,000 people of  all ages attending at Easter and Christmas. And this year they plan to top that with an exciting, entertaining and educational events programme that has something for everyone.

Sitting in 190 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, only 30 minutes away from our famous capital city, Ashridge House is the perfect place to celebrate the wonderful 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.