Trees Planted to Commemorate Jamboree

Published on 28 May 2008

To commemorate the arrival of 40,000 young people at North Weald, the gateway to the World Scouts Jamboree last Summer, a ceremonial international tree planting took place at North Weald Airfield on Tuesday 27 May 2008. An avenue of six trees is to be planted adjacent to the memorial garden, each representing a continent of the world from where the scouts originated.

The Airfield, owned by Epping Forest District Council, acted as the logistical hub throughout the eleven-day Jamboree in July and August last year. It became the check-in centre, the food distribution centre and ran the park and ride service to Hylands Park in Chelmsford where the Centenary celebrations of the Scouting Movement took place.

Among the guests at the ceremony was the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor John Knapman who said: “I am very proud that North Weald Airfield was able to offer so much support for this historic event. It was a massive challenge and it is a tribute to all the organisations concerned that it was so successful.”

Representatives from the Scouts Association joined Councillors and Council staff for the ceremonial tree planting.

Each tree will represent a continent of the world from which Scouts came to North Weald:
• Africa -Tamarisk
• Australia - Eucalyptus
• South America - Beech
• North America - Sweetgum
• Asia - Birch
• Europe - Oak

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