Final tree finds a home as council celebrates a milestone anniversary

THE final sapling to be planted across the region to commemorate North Kesteven District Council's 50th anniversary year is now taking root in a community space in Sleaford.

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The fiftieth tree is an oak located off Sheldrake Road in Sleaford and is representative of the gold oak tree that features prominently within the Council's official crest.

This oak was taken from the coat of arms of the East Kesteven Rural District Council, which was one of the three councils that merged on April 1, 1974, to form the new North Kesteven District Council.

Ultimately it originated on the crest of Kesteven County Council, a predecessor of Lincolnshire County Council, representing the ancient forests of the old county.

Mirroring the oak planted at Millennium Green, North Hykeham in April 2024 - the first of the 50 trees - oaks are also indicative of North Kesteven District Council's strategic objective to significantly increase tree cover, habitat and growth within its climate action response, to enhance the area's biodiversity, take advantage of the myriad environmental benefits achieved through increased tree numbers and advance a position of carbon net zero by 2030.