SHEPHERD NEAME BRANCHES OUT TO ADD TO THE QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY DURING HER PLATINUM JUBILEE YEAR

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 four 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.”