FORESTRY figures have led tributes to Her Majesty the Queen following her death, describing her love of trees as "well known".
Salutes to the Queen have poured in after she died at Balmoral on Thursday, with world leaders calling her “kind-hearted” and with a “wisdom, compassion, and warmth” to be cherished.
Britain's longest-reigning monarch, who served as head of state for more than 70 years, passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by her family.
READ MORE: The Queen's life with trees pictured through the decades
Speaking tonight, the president of the Royal Forestry Society, which Her Majesty was the patron of, said her love of trees was well known.
Sir James Scott: “The Royal Forestry Society is saddened to learn of the death of our patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"We extend our sympathy to our former president, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and all the royal family. Her Majesty’s love of trees was well known and most recently exemplified by the Queen’s Green Canopy which marked her platinum jubilee.
“Her Majesty followed a line of royal patronage of the RFS dating back to her great grandfather Edward VII.
"We are grateful that she was such an engaged patron over many years and are pleased to share these happy memories of her involvement with the society.”
Throughout her long reign, the Queen always showed a keen interest in forestry and woodlands. She personally planted more than 1,500 trees around the world.
Her Majesty later established the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in 2015 and then the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Helen Browning, Soil Association CEO, said: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with our patron, His Royal Highness King Charles III and the entire Royal Family.
“It is with immense admiration that we reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to the UK and the Commonwealth and we share the nation’s sorrow at her loss.
"We will celebrate and miss her equally as a remarkable monarch, inspirational woman and a warm and trusted constant across seven decades.”
As well as being patron to the RFS, she was also patron of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society.
A statement from the RSFS read: "It was with the deepest regret that we learned of the death of our Patron Her Majesty the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth became our patron on our 100th anniversary in 1954 and has epitomised our motto to “Aye be sticking in a tree” throughout her life of service. The Queen is pictured here in 2017 with Society Past President Sir Pat Hunter Blair. pic.twitter.com/EHikL0hjsW
— RSFS (@RSFS1854) September 8, 2022
"On behalf of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society and its members we extend our sincere condolences to the Royal Family."
Clare Pillman, chief executive of Natural Resources Wales, added: "As we reflect on her long and remarkable life, we give thanks for her devoted and tireless service."
Mairi McAllan, Scotland's environment minister, said: "May she rest peacefully after her many years of service."
Northern Ireland's environment minister, Edwin Poots, added: “On behalf of my Department, I send my sincere condolences to our Royal Family at this very sad time.”
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