THE Queen and Prince Charles plant a tree in a bid to encourage millions of others around the country to do the same.
Her Majesty’s Green Canopy scheme will see three million saplings planted across the UK as part of an initiative to mark her 70-year platinum jubilee next year.
Prince Charles launched the scheme by planting a tree in Windsor, Berks.
In a video message, Charles urged people to join him to “plant a tree for the jubilee – in other words a ‘tree-bilee'”.
He said: “It is absolutely vital that more of the right species of trees are planted, in the right places.
“And that more woodlands, avenues, hedgerows and hedgerow trees and urban planting schemes are established, whilst ensuring that we also protect and sustain what we already have.
“Whether you are an individual hoping to plant a single sapling in your garden, a school or community group planting a tree, a council, charity or business intending to plant a whole avenue of trees or a farmer looking to create new hedgerows, everyone across the country can get involved.”
The scheme has been backed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said: “Our trees stand at the frontline of our fight against climate change and by sustaining our beautiful countryside for generations to come.
“The Queen’s Green Canopy is a fitting tribute to her majesty’s years of service to this country. I urge everyone to get involved and ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’.”
Woodland Trust chief executive Darren Moorcroft said: “There is no more fitting way to celebrate Her Majesty’s jubilee than through striving to increase and protect our native tree cover.
“The last year has emphasised the central role that trees and woods play in the life of the nation.
“We need more projects like this, giving people access to our natural heritage, opportunities to do something positive for the environment, and helping to safeguard it for our children in the face of a combined climate and nature crisis.”
