Plant a tree for the Jubilee
This week we have undertaken further tree planting at Middleton Park in celebrating of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
In early March 2021, we started a joint project with Community Trees: MK, and Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council to enhance an area of Middleton Park by improving the habitat for wildlife by creating a woodland meadow. This project will take up to five years to complete and will include the planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs.
On the 18th of November, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, together with The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, George Anson Esq and Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Mohammed Khan, each planted a tree at Middleton Wood Meadow in dedication to The Queen’s Green Canopy. This was alongside the planting of 50 trees by Giffard Park primary students.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. With a focus on planting sustainably, The Queen’s Green Canopy will encourage the planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe said “The work of The Parks Trust is central to the enhancement of the natural environment in Milton Keynes, so I am delighted to have been invited to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” at Middleton Wood Meadow, alongside the children of Giffard Park School. As well as providing a lasting tribute to celebrate Her Majesty’s remarkable 70-year reign, the wider woodland planting project will also help to increase biodiversity within Milton Keynes for the benefit and enjoyment of both residents and visitors for many years to come.”
Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Mohammed Khan said ‘Planting trees is a brilliant way to help in the fight against climate change, protect our planet and also benefit our wildlife. Milton Keynes is one of the greenest ‘cities’ in the UK. There are many benefits from planting trees, it is good for the local environment and it reduces air pollution by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, guards against flooding, gives us shade, shelter and makes our minds happier and healthier. Just one single tree provides enough oxygen for four people!
As Mayor of Milton Keynes I believe every city and town in UK should join together to fight climate change by planting more trees just like us here Milton Keynes. It is an honour to be part of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ celebrating the Platinum Jubilee’.
We are also planning to involve Milton Keynes citizens in future tree planting projects. Later this year and in 2022, Community Trees: MK, who sourced the trees, are going to run events for the community, while The Parks Trust are planning to arrange opportunities for schools to take part in tree planting. Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council are also hoping to announce some exciting plans, so keep an eye open for updates!
If your school would like to take part in future events, please contact the Outdoor Learning Team at The Parks Trust: outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com
If you are an individual or community groups that would like to take part, please contact Community Trees MK: greg@communitytreesmk.org
