Hampstead Heath 'peace' oaks to take root in Derry /
Londonderry
6 February 2008
Some 20 seedlings of the oldest oak trees in London’s Hampstead
Heath will be donated to the city of Derry / Londonderry to help
with a major urban regeneration programme.
The saplings, which are seeded from some of the City of
London-run Heath’s 400-year-old boundary oaks, will be planted in
St Columb’s Park in the Waterside district of the city as part of a
project to revitalise the park and change what has traditionally
been used by one section of the community into a shared space, and
at other locations within the city.
The donation of the oaks, which are the traditional symbol of
the city – its name derives from the Irish 'Doire', meaning oak
grove - is a "peace and reconciliation" gesture which is hoped will
further strengthen historical bond between the City of London and
Ireland dating back almost 400 years.
Catherine McGuinness, Deputy Governor of the City of London’s
Irish Society and former Chairman of the City’s Hampstead Heath
Management Committee, said: "We hope that these young oak trees
will take root in the park to symbolise a new era of peace for the
people of Derry / Londonderry."
Derry Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson, welcomed the donation of
the seedlings from London. He said he was delighted the City of
London was continuing to forge links with the city of Derry /
Londonderry and assisting to physically connect communities, the
city centre and a shared space.
Alderman Thompson said: "The two cities have very strong
historic, economic and cultural links and Derry City Council
remains committed to strengthening its relationship with the City
of London. The donation of these historic oak seedlings is a
symbolic gesture and one which we truly appreciate. The seedlings
will be planted at St. Columb's Park, on the city's Waterside that
is part of a proposed regeneration project for the city. It is
potentially the city's largest collective regeneration site which
aims to create a safe, inclusive and shared space for all
communities in our city.".
The trees will be delivered to Londonderry by Hampstead Heath
staff on Tuesday 26 February and ceremonially planted in the park
at a future date.
Ends
Notes to editors
St Columb's Park Master Plan was officially launched in October
2006 by Derry City Council in partnership with Ilex, the urban
regeneration company. The Masterplan will physically connect the
three sites of Clooney, Ebrington and St Columb's Park, and
socially connect them and their communities to the city and wider
region. It includes proposals for radical landscape development,
the creation of play space for all ages and abilities, elite sports
training and international competition facilities. For full details
about the plan visit - www.derrycity.gov.uk
Hampstead Heath:
Hampstead Heath is the collective name for Parliament Hill and
Golders Hill, a total of 791 acres (320 hectares). The Heath is
situated just four miles from the centre of London and falls within
two London Boroughs, Camden and Barnet. The City of London has
managed all of Hampstead Heath, apart from the Kenwood area, since
1989, and has a long established policy of protecting open spaces
in and around London for the enjoyment of the public, at no cost to
the local ratepayer. Hampstead Heath is the collective name for
Parliament Hill and Golders Hill, a total of 791 acres (320
hectares). The Heath is situated just four miles from the centre of
London and falls within two London Boroughs, Camden and Barnet.
City of London:
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities
iclude management of the Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at
the Old Bailey and also extend far beyond the City boundaries -
10,700 acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping
Forest, three wholesale food markets as well as acting as the
London Port Health Authority.
Derry City Council:
Derry City Council is the second largest of the 26 District
Councils in Northern Ireland and serves a population of over
107,000. The Council is committed to providing civic and
accountable regional leadership, delivering high quality services
and promoting good relations across the region.
www.derrycity.gov.uk
Press enquiries to Lesley Mair, City of London Corporation
T: 020 7332 1754; M: 07785 528 453; E:
lesley.mair@cityoflondon.gov.uk