Queen’s Green Canopy scheme to spread out into spring of next year
A nationwide tree-planting scheme in honour of Queen Elizabeth II – which has been well supported in Caithness, including a hands-on contribution by the new King – is to be extended into the spring of 2023.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) had been due to conclude in December, at the end of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year. However, following Her Majesty's death, it has been agreed that the initiative will continue and will take in the full tree-planting season, beginning in October and concluding in March.
The decision reflects the wishes of King Charles III as QGC patron and it will give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour the Queen.
The QGC is creating a "living legacy" with more than a million trees planted in Her Majesty’s name across the UK during the first planting season, from October 2021 to March 2022.
An interactive map showcasing planting projects across the country will also continue until the end of March. Details can be found on the QGC website.
People were invited to “plant a tree for the jubilee” in honour of the Queen’s service to the nation.
As recently as August, on the final day of his latest visit to Caithness, the then Prince Charles planted a rowan tree in the grounds of Canisbay church hall as part of the scheme. The tree had been cared for until Charles was able to be there in person to plant it in honour of his mother.
Earlier during his 10-day stay in the county, Charles visited Dunnet Forest where Andrew Wands, recently retired chairman of Dunnet Community Forest, showed him how the QGC challenge had been taken up enthusiastically.
Speaking at the time, Mr Wands said: "Uptake of this offer was good and over one weekend in March 2022 volunteers from Dounreay and Dunnet Forest planted about 100 trees. Work was overseen by the Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, Viscount Thurso, and it was his suggestion that Prince Charles should visit the forest to see the results of our efforts.
"We were all very pleased to welcome him into the forest."
Mr Wands added that Charles had been "very happy" with the work undertaken and obligingly planted a tree to commemorate his visit.
Earlier in the year a selection of native tree species were planted at a Lyth riding stables by its owner, Natalie Oag, and Gina Lewis, whom Natalie had been mentoring for a Young Equestrian Leaders Award.
Natalie said at the time: "What better way to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee than to help wildlife and combat global warming. It's a wonderful legacy."
And Gina said: "I can’t wait to see the journey of my planted trees as they grow."
The gardening group at Thurso's Mount Pleasant Primary School planted eight trees donated by local man Alexander Glasgow as part of the QGC and unveiled a commemorative seat and table in the school grounds, creating the Queen’s Garden.
One of the P7 pupils, Eoin Glen, said at the time: “It was so nice getting to plant the trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy because these trees will be around for 70 years or more for everybody to look at and enjoy.”
Wick and District Gardening Club marked the Queen's Platinum Jubilee by planting two trees at the riverside in June.
As well as planting new trees, the QGC scheme dedicated a UK-wide network of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
