Many know that His Majesty King Charles III has long expressed a deep love for our unique wildlife, nature and rural places, holding conservation charity patronages such as the Wildlife Trusts, and frequently reflecting on his love of walking and its role in promoting health and wellbeing.
That’s why it’s rightly fitting, in honour of his Coronation, that a number of commemorations to leave lasting legacies for people and nature are planned.
First, a ‘King’s Series of National Nature Reserves’ (NNRs) will create 5 major NNRs every year for the next 5 years – focusing on nature conservation, science and providing opportunities for people to enjoy nature!
Did you know, our North Northumberland constituency of Berwick-upon-Tweed is home to 3 of our country’s 221 NNRs – plus 6 more elsewhere in Northumberland. All 221 were declared during the reign of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, following work during the Second World War towards the first 7 declared in 1952, to lay a legacy for future generations.
- Lindisfarne NNR (1964)
- Newham Bog NNR (1985)
- Farne Islands NNR (1993)
Next, our nation’s forests have traditionally marked coronations, including for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. Just as with the Platinum Jubilee oak I planted in Horncliffe, ‘Coronation Woods’ will be created by Forestry England, while Defra will fund local communities, parish councils and housing associations to plant trees, community orchards and small woodlands too.
Finally, the 2,700 mile England Coastal Path, connecting communities from Northumberland to Cumbria via Cornwall, will be officially renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’. 794 miles are already open – including beautiful stretches in our constituency between South Bents and Amble and Amble to Bamburgh – with the trail set to be fully walkable by the end of 2024!
