Shepherd Neame is planting 70 trees at pubs across its estate as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year.
The Faversham-based brewer and pub company has so far planted 66 fruit trees at four pubs in the South East as part of the unique initiative, which invites individuals, schools, groups and businesses across the country to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.
Last week, Chief Executive Jonathan Neame joined the licensee of the Pepper Box Inn in Harrietsham, Sophie Pemble, to help plant a Jubilee Plum as part of a collection of 16 trees on land next to the pub.
So far the company has planted 16 fruit trees at the Woolpack Inn in Benover, Yalding; 16 at the Pepper Box Inn at Windmill Hill, Harrietsham; 16 more at the George Inn at Newnham, Sitttingbourne, and 18 at The Red Lion at Chelwood Gate in Haywards Heath, each site making up a mini orchard.
The trees are a range of varieties, including Crab Apple, Flowering Cherry, Quince, and Nectarine.
Shepherd Neame will also plant a further six trees in the autumn, bringing the number to 70, celebrating Her Majesty’s 70 years of service, and creating a legacy for future generations.
The project has been put together in collaboration with fellow Faversham-based firm Edible Culture, which supplied the trees.
Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are a proud holder of a Royal Warrant for our Grant’s Morella Cherry Brandy, and flagship Spitfire Amber Ale and have always supported the Queen’s Jubilees with a special beer, as we will also do this year. When we heard about the Queen’s Green Canopy project, we were very keen to be involved, not only to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee but also as we want to help protect and improve habitats in the countryside, for the benefit of wildlife and local people.
“Many of our sites are in beautiful parts of the country, and we are keen to enhance them, benefitting both wildlife and visitors now and in the future. It also complements our ongoing work with the Kent Wildlife Trust, Shepherd Neame’s chosen Charity of the Year.
“We look forward to seeing these trees blossom and grow.”
Chris Williams, co-owner of Edible Culture, said: “As another Faversham-based business, we were thrilled to play our part in Shepherd Neame’s project to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, through the Queen’s Green Canopy Project.
“Our ethos of growing and planting plastic, peat and pesticide-free plants and trees fits with Shepherd Neame’s ethos of being more sustainable and tackling their impact on the climate emergency. Planting trees is the perfect positive and practical action that can be taken, with the bonus of growing organic fruit, right at the heart of traditional food and drink production.“
Find out more about Shepherd Neame’s Charity of the Year partnership at https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/media-centre/sheps-giving
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About Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager and premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
Press release from Shepherd Neame
For further information please contact Communications Executive Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk