A DORSET National Trust estate has been chosen as one of 70 places to receive a special tree planting to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Kingston Lacy estate near Wimborne forms part of a nationwide ambition to create a “lasting legacy” for the Queen and will see a historic cedar tree – lost in 2013 – replaced.

The Jubilee Tree will be planted in autumn as a replacement for a cedar planted in 1827 by the 1st Duke of Wellington, however it has to be removed in 2013 after a rot in the central trunk.

The Duke was a close friend of Kingston Lacy owner William John Bankes. The family had a tradition of marking visits from notable people by asking them to plant a tree in the grounds. Others include cedars planted by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1907 and Prince Charles who replaced a cedar planted in 1905 by his three times great grandfather, Edward VII.

Andrew Hunt, head gardener at Kingston Lacy, says: “We will be delighted to mark the Queen’s Jubilee by replacing one of the iconic trees here at Kingston Lacy. Hopefully this one will be providing pleasure to visitors for at least another 200 years.”

John Deakin, head of trees and woodland at the National Trust said: “There is something really special about marking national occasions like this year’s Jubilee through tree planting – knowing that the trees should grow and last for generations to come as a marker of a significant moment in history.

“Our support of The Queen’s Green Canopy has catalysed an ambitious programme to restore avenues, conserve ancient trees and protect some our ancient woodlands.”

Visit queensgreencanopy.org for more information.