On Thursday 29th January, the China Fleet Trust was honoured to welcome the High Sheriff of Cornwall, Geraint Richards MVO OBE, to plant oak trees as part of the national Veterans’ Oak initiative. He was joined by the Trust’s temporary Chair of Trustees, Alastair Camp, for a meaningful and symbolic ceremony held near the 16th green of the China Fleet Country Club.

The Veterans’ Oak initiative, created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, encourages communities across the country to plant native oak trees as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. Thanks to Mr Richards—who also serves as Head Forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and to His Majesty The King—the Trust received a selection of mature, native-species oak trees, including Quercus petraea (Sessile oak) and Quercus robur (Pedunculate oak).

At 0900, guests attending the Armed Forces Community Roundtable, hosted onsite the same day, were invited to witness the planting. The ceremony took place in a prominent location close to the Club buildings, where the Trust has previously planted trees as part of Her late Majesty’s Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. A commemorative plaque has been installed to mark the occasion and to honour all Veterans and serving personnel.

Further oak trees were planted in additional locations across the estate by the greenkeeping team, contributing to the Trust’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity enhancement, and meaningful engagement with the Armed Forces community.

Speaking ahead of the event, CEO Gordon Hannah expressed his thanks to the High Sheriff and the Duchy for their support, noting that the initiative offers a “spade‑in‑the‑ground moment that brings together heritage, service, and the natural landscape our beneficiaries enjoy”.