Tree planting in celebration of the life of Peter Williamson

This Friday, December 2  at 9.30 am, during National Tree Week, five large lime trees will be planted in the Whitecross area of Hereford (by the Co-op) in memory of Peter Williamson who died earlier this year.  All are welcome.

Peter was well known throughout the county as a keen supporter of local arts, and was, together with his father, a pioneer in the nursery and garden centre industry. He was also a long standing and much esteemed board member of Borderlines Film Festival and an avid supporter of cinema.

The trees have been generously donated by Wyevale Nurseries, established by Peter‘s father, and where Peter was Chairman. The lime trees at  Whitecross make a fitting extension to those along Kings Acre road, which extend towards Wyevale Nurseries.

Friends and family of Peter Williamson have opened a fund to support this, and further tree planting throughout the city.
Wyn Jones, Peter’s sister, said: “We hope this is just the first of many trees that will be planted across the city in coming years, supported by money raised in Peter’s memory”

The tree planting has been given enthusiastic backing by Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Hereford Council cabinet member for Highways, and South Hereford MP, Jesse Norman.

Cllr Blackshaw, a self-confessed tree enthusiast, said: “It would be good to see many more trees, planted in the right places, helping to make Hereford a green and welcoming city.”

Jesse Norman, who has long pushed for more tree planting, added:  “This is a fantastic way to celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to Herefordshire. It’s also an important first step towards regeneration that covers the whole city and sees many more trees planted”.
Family and friends are grateful for the support for the tree planting given by Herefordshire Council and its contractors, Amey.

The tree planting is part of a wider push to establish trees in Hereford and other towns and villages in the county, initiated by the Hereford Tree Forum; a partnership promoting tree planting as a way of delivering benefits to people in the county.

Anyone wishing to pledge support to the Peter Williamson Tree Fund should contact Jesse Norman