Hotham Park tree is dedication to daughter

The Staker family of Mons Avenue helped to plant a tree in Hotham Park.

Parents Amanda and Jason dedicated the liquidambar styraciflua, which is expected to grow to a height of 20m, to their daughter Cerys.

Mrs Staker said: “We wanted to plant the tree as part of a humanist naming ceremony for Cerys. The tree represents new life and new growth and it can be part of the community.

“We contacted Arun to ask if we could have a tree planted for Cerys but unfortunately they can’t do that, but as they were planting the tree anyway, we asked if we could help.”

Cerys’ four-year-old brother Cadan also did his bit by picking up a shovel.

As part of the naming celebration the family hopes to host a mass picnic in the park on May 21, Cerys’ first birthday.