The Queens Green Canopy
Trees! The life blood of the planet. England’s green and pleasant land is epitomised by the varied landscapes depicting trees. The Queen’s legacy to the nation is unparalleled but her diamond jubilee commitment encouraging the planting of trees surmounts them all. A message to the world. Future generations in the centuries to come will enjoy the benefits just as we do from the forests of a thousand years now sadly dwindling rapidly.
Everyone talks about sustainability, reducing the use of fossil fuels, minimising unnecessary plastic packaging but Her Majesty goes to the heart of the problem to save the planet. The natural cyclical lifestyle of nature’s organic material that provides the very air we breathe.
The old English species are threatened - elms were attacked in the 1970s, ash is fast disappearing, how long before the famous oak -the king of the forest succumbs to another disease and our swathes of beech woods? Scientists are monitoring the diseases and ensuring future attacks can be prevented. In the meantime more planting than ever before is needed to address the balance. A concerted nationwide effort might just save the day to ensure our grandchildren enjoy running through the autumn leaves on a woodland floor.
How often am I asked to find property, particularly for the escaping city dwellers, with woodland, orchards and indeed fields with old hedgerows. They are out there and competitively fought over.
Middle Coombe, Lustleigh- Tucked in its own haven of 23 acres deep in the Dartmoor National park this six bedroom house is crying out for new owners to restore it to enjoy the tranquillity of this hidden setting. Looking across it’s private lakes with deciduous and coniferous trees rising up above it’s a magical spot. Rendells 01626 353881 www.rendells.co.uk
Long Barn, Michelcombe, Holne -another moorland treasure. A 16th century Grade 11* barn meticulously restored to create a unique, magical home sitting in 1.5 acres with moorland river, orchards and wildflower meadow. Small but perfectly formed seems the most appropriate description. Together with a two bedroom secondary dwelling and a further barn with potential this has to be the idyllic retreat from the pressures of the world. Howard Douglas 01364 652656 www.howarddouglas.co.uk
Bickleigh Bridge Cottage, Plympton. An appealing stone cottage bounding the River Plym and sitting in 3.85 acres of deciduous bluebell woods. Approached via the “gatehouse” incorporating a garage with studio above and all within easy reach of Plymouth. Savills 01548 800462 www.savills.com
So, whilst we celebrate the Queens amazing jubilee year let’s look to the future to ensure our wonderful county (and planet) is preserved for ever- our lifestyles - our homes - “It’s all about coming home.”