A lasting legacy: oak tree planted in Newark park to celebrate the district’s Tour of Britain legacy

Last year, Newark and Sherwood welcomed the prestigious Tour of Britain cycle race on Friday, 6 September 2024. It was the fourth time the district had held the race and the third time the finish was held at Sconce and Devon Park in Newark.

Oak tree seedlings were presented to the jersey winners of Stage 4. The seedlings were grown from acorns from around the Major Oak, the legendary tree at the heart of Sherwood Forest. The overall Stage 4 winner, Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team, gifted his oak seedling back to the District Council and requested it be planted in Sconce and Devon Park.

The oak tree will stand as a reminder of the brilliant community spirit showcased during the Tour of Britain and its continued legacy in Newark and Sherwood.

Councillor Jean Hall, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It was an absolute honour to congratulate Paul Magnier on his Stage 4 win at the Tour of Britain last year, and I am delighted I have the opportunity to plant the oak seedling he has gifted us back in Sconce and Devon Park.

“The Tour of Britain was brilliant last year, the buzz around the district was absolutely electric, and it was so rewarding to see the community turn out to cheer on the cyclists as they raced across the district. It isn’t often that we get the chance to see international sports stars competing live without having to pay for the privilege, and to think it was right on our doorstep.

“This oak tree will be here at Sconce and Devon Park for years to come, providing shade, comfort, and protection for residents and our beautiful wildlife for generations. It provides a lasting legacy of Newark and Sherwood’s involvement in the Tour of Britain but also all of the wonderful things we have to celebrate across our district.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: "Last year, it was great to join thousands of people from across the East Midlands to cheer on the world’s best cyclists as they raced from Derby, through Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, before finishing in Newark as part of the 2024 Tour of Britain Stage 4. It was an unforgettable experience and a superb opportunity to show what a great region we live in: nearly 75 million visitors came to the region over the last year, supporting over 50,000 jobs worth £5bn to our visitor economy. Those of us who live and work here know what a superb place the East Midlands is to visit, and hosting the Tour of Britain enabled us to show this to the rest of the world.

I would like to extend my thanks to Paul Magnier of the Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team, along with the other Stage 4 Jersey winners, for donating their oak seedlings back to the District Council. These seedlings, grown from acorns from the legendary Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, symbolise our commitment to growth and sustainability, marking a lasting legacy of the Tour of Britain and our dedication to the heritage contained within our natural environment."

This is one of six trees donated back to the District Council from the Stage 4 Jersey winners. All six trees will be planted in suitable locations in the park.