Sanctuary’s Jubilee Tree will be a legacy for generations to come

The Donkey Sanctuary will be commemorating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and marking the retirement of a long-serving member of staff, by planting a magnificent olive tree in the grounds of the Sidmouth sanctuary.

The tree, chosen for its longevity and suitability for an ever-changing climate, will be a lasting memory of Her Majesty's 70-year reign, and a special reminder of the charity's former Director of Equine Operations Annie Brown, who retired from the sanctuary in May, after more than 30 years' service.

Annie joined The Donkey Sanctuary in August 1991, working across the charity combining her wealth of equine knowledge and experience, with her passion to make the world a better place for donkeys.

The olive tree (Olea europaea) will be appropriately situated between the newly installed Jubilee Garden and the Mediterranean themed RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden. The 'Donkeys Matter' garden, which was replanted at the sanctuary for visitors to enjoy, won the coveted People's Choice award at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and marked the 50th anniversary of The Donkey Sanctuary.

This year, people across the United Kingdom are being encouraged to plant trees as part of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’. This unique tree-planting initiative has been created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and to create a legacy to benefit future generations, in honour of the Queen’s leadership of the nation.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s garden team also plan to construct a seating area around the olive tree, giving visitors the opportunity to take a break in its shade and reflect on the beautiful surroundings of the sanctuary.

As olive trees live on average for around 500 years, with the oldest known specimen thought to be around 1,500 years, the tree at The Donkey Sanctuary will be enjoyed for generations to come.