More than 1,600 trees will be planted in a bid to create a new woodland offering “a lasting tribute” to Queen Elizabeth II.

Canterbury City Council’s cabinet gave the final sign-off to plans to cover a 4,800 m sq plot at Duncan Down, near Whitstable, with the oaks, yews, pines and birches last week.

Supporters of the scheme believe it will honour the monarch and provide a “harmonious place for generations to enjoy”.

Seasalter councillor Ashley Clark said: “It was considered fitting that we dedicate the wood to the memory of the Queen, and dedicate the field to go with it to the 70 years of service she provided to this nation.

“We’ve seized the moment. It will create a harmonious place for future generations to enjoy.”

The city council had originally decided to create an area called Jubilee Woodland on the same plots earlier this year to mark the platinum jubilee.

But following her death, it was decided to change the name of the freshly planted areas to Queen Elizabeth Memorial Copse and Queen Elizabeth Memorial Field.

The new wood – which will comprise 1,660 trees – will come at no cost to the council, as funding will come from developers.

Planting of the trees will begin in late November, and be carried out by volunteers from Hyde New Housing – the firm building a 400-home estate off the Old Thanet Way – and Friends of Duncan Down.

The groups plan to begin the work later this month, with planting expected to come to an end by March.

Afterwards Hyde will officially hand 40 acres of land over to the local authority for it to be granted “village green” status, meaning it will be open to all.

“It will serve to filter out some of the traffic noise from Old Thanet Way, and make the place more peaceful,” Cllr Clark continued.

“Our children and grandchildren will be able to see what we’ve done for them. It’s a gain for nature and a gain for people.”

Cllr Clark told the cabinet “when things are up and running properly and everything’s there I have no doubt there will be a formal opening”.

Before the plan was voted through, authority leader Ben Fitter-Harding added: “I think it’s a fantastic result this has been able to go ahead, and at no cost to the council, with a fitting and lasting tribute and memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.”