People in the UK are urged to plant trees in an initiative to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The scheme will honour the monarch’s 70 year reign.
The Prince of Wales is encouraging people to “plant a tree for the jubilee”, or “tree-bilee”, as he calls it. He was joined by the Queen to launch the campaign earlier this year by planting a Jubilee tree at Windsor Castle. The Initiative, named Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) will also involve protecting ancient woodlands and forests. It will highlight 70 irreplaceable ancient woodlands across the UK, and identify 70 ancient trees.
The scheme hosted by climate charity Cool Earth is a wide ranging project that everyone can take part in. It could be individuals planting trees in their own gardens, or local councils creating platinum jubilee copses. Schools and community groups can also get involved by applying for free saplings from the Woodland Trust. Three million saplings will be available.
Prince Charles describes the initiative as a “statement of hope and faith in the future”. Planting trees and hedgerows, and protecting existing areas are simple, cost-effective ways to protect the planet. He believes we should establish more schemes for new planting, while protecting and sustaining what we already have.
The importance of trees
During her reign, the queen has planted over 1,500 trees around the world. This makes the Queen’s Green Canopy a fitting tribute to her years of service.
Specialist environmental college, Capel Manor College, will pilot a training programme. It will see unemployed young people aged between 16 and 24 planting and managing trees. It is the only college of its kind in London, and the Queen Mother was patron of the educational establishment.
Meanwhile, donations to the scheme will go to deprived areas and urban schools.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wholly supports the initiative. He says, “our trees stand at the frontline of our fight against climate change”. The scheme ensures the sustaining of our beautiful countryside for generations to come.
The chief executive of the Woodland Trust says the last year emphasised the role of trees and woods in the life of the nation. Indoor venues remained closed during lockdowns and the pandemic prevented people meeting inside. This meant surges of people began walking more and enjoying the pleasures of nature. Local woods and green spaces became a haven for those keen to get out of the house.
More projects like this are needed to give people access to our natural heritage, opportunities to do positive things for the environment, and help safeguard it for the future.
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