The Queen’s Green Canopy launched on Monday, 17 May in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The UK-wide tree planting initiative plans to have 3 million saplings planted from October 2021 to March 2022. Schools, community groups, and individuals can apply to the trust to receive trees from the Woodland Trust. The Prince of Wales planted the first tree, a Verdun Oak, at Windsor with the Queen in March 2021. Since then, a few more notable ambassadors have now joined the trust.
Several spiritual leaders have taken part in a video to promote the Queen’s Green Canopy. Bhai Sahib Ji OBE, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Sarwat Tasneem, and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury have all spoken to encourage members of their spiritual communities to plant a tree in honour of the Jubilee and the importance of nature.
Baroness Floella Benjamin has now joined the QGC as an ambassador. Known for being an advocate for improving children’s television and promoting culture, she is also the Vice-President of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Baroness Benjamin said: “I am extremely proud to have been invited to become an Official Ambassador for the Queen’s Green Canopy planting initiative which calls on all people, including children all over the UK to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’.
“The right trees, planted in the right places at the right time will help to restore nature, filter the air and create beautiful habitats for our wildlife for generations to come.”
Dame Judi Dench is an Official Ambassador for the project, as well. She shared a poem from A.E. Housman, “Loveliest of trees, cherry now” in her introduction video.
In a choice that will delight children (and many adults) everywhere, Peter Rabbit has been announced as the Children’s Ambassador. Beatrix Potter’s beloved books have inspired generations of children to connect with nature. The QGC will work with the company to help educate children on the importance of nature, and how trees can be a sanctuary for different animals.
Anyone wanting more information on how to sign up to receive a tree can visit the site here: https://queensgreencanopy.org/.
