Royal idea to dig for victory to halt climate change
The Queen’s plant a tree scheme is a fitting environmental way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her reign next year, says a Midlands energy expert Ron Fox.
Recently Her Majesty launched her Green Canopy project to create a lasting legacy as she prepares to become the first British monarch to reach a platinum jubilee. The Queen, who is resting at the moment under doctors’ orders, acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, when she was 25 years old.
She wants to get schools, scouts, villages, towns, cities, corporates and the whole Commonwealth to plant trees in her honour, as part of a plan to green all her kingdom.
The Sovereign is encouraging farmers to plant orchards, councils to line roads with trees and villagers to mark out their boundaries with new copses.
“It is an inspiring idea,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd, “and I hope everyone will be inspired to dig in for a victory over climate change.”
He said that in ancient times Britain was covered by forests and woods, but now the UK has less tree cover than almost any other European nation.
One aim of the Queen is to protect 70 ancient woodlands and to identify 70 ancient trees to mark her 70 years on the throne.
“Trees are vital in the fight to help cut emissions as they suck carbon from the air and help cut rising world temperatures,” said Ron on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park in North Staffordshire.
Throughout a year of celebrations, the Queen and members of the Royal Family will travel around the country to undertake a variety of engagements to mark this historic occasion.
It will with culminate with the Platinum Jubilee Weekend in June when there will be an extended bank holiday, from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5 with four days of celebrations to give an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to celebrate the historic milestone with public events and activities,
Everyone across the UK is being invited to plant trees through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.
Last month Her Majesty planted the first tree, a sapling in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, as part of as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), and she was joined by children from the nearby Crathie Primary School.
Ron said the charity Woodland Trust is offering free trees for the scheme to schools, nurseries, colleges, universities and outdoor learning centres, plus local groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, parish councils, scouts, guides and many more.
People don’t need to belong to an official organisation, they can even set up a group for the purpose of planting, but it must be not-for-profit and members must be willing to take on the planning, planting and care of the saplings.
Individuals can buy a tree off the trust for £8.95, including free delivery. For more information go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
To find out more about green energy and environment issues call Ron on 01782 756995.
Caption: Branching out – the Queen is encouraging everyone to plant a tree to celebrate the 70th platinum anniversary of her reign next year.
