Lord-Lieutenant launches tree planting initiative in Devon to mark 2022 Platinum Jubilee
The Devon launch of a national project to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 took place at an Exeter primary school on Tuesday (October 12) with a ceremonial tree planting.
The Queen’s representative in Devon, the Lord-Lieutenant David Fursdon, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lady Arran presented a Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer, also known as a Chanticleer Pear, to Wynstream Primary School.
The tree was accepted on behalf of the school by Head Teacher Gill Brown and School Governors Peter Vickery and Poppy Daly.
The school is the first in the county (excluding Plymouth and Torbay) to be presented with a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee year.
Leading up to the tree planting children from Early Years to Year Six variously sang songs, recited poems performed stories for the visiting dignitaries.
Attendees included a past chair of the Forestry Commission Sir Henry Studholme, The Lord Mayor of Exeter and her Consort, Councillor Trish Oliver and Mr Robert Oliver, and Exeter City Priory Ward Councillor Tony Wardle.
Other guests were Leader of Exeter City Council Cllr Phil Bialyk, Father Andrew Johnson, Head of Education & Learning at Devon County Council Dawn Stabb, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Philip Jenkinson and former school staff member Angela Redmond.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) invites organisations and communities across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” during the official planting season between October and March.
The aim of the QGC is a sustainable project that will benefit future generations.
It is hoped as many people as possible will have the opportunity to plant a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations across Devon.
As well as inviting the planting of new trees, project will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
Mr Fursdon said: “I am honoured to have been invited to Wynstream Primary School to present this sapling.
“When this tree matures in 20 years’ time it will be the children of the pupils here today who will be playing underneath it.
“Trees are a symbol of hope for the future and trees like this will benefit many generations to come.”
The head teacher of Wynstream Primary School, Mrs Gill Brown, said: “I want to thank the Lord Lieutenant for presenting this tree.
“I hope that trees like this will inspire the children and help them understand the importance of the natural environment as they will be the future custodians of our green spaces, forests and woodlands.”
For further information https://queensgreencanopy.org
