South Swindon MP calls for local schools to plant a tree as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy

Robert Buckland MP is calling for local schools and community groups who are interested in planting a tree as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy to come forward.

The QCC presents a rare opportunity to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests. By creating a pan-Commonwealth network of forest conservation projects, the QCC will mark Her Majesty The Queen’s service to the Commonwealth while conserving indigenous forests for future generations.

Sainsbury's is the Woodland Trust’s largest corporate partner. Since the partnership began in 2004,  Sainsbury's has raised over £7 million, which has funded the planting of over 3 million trees across the UK – helping them engage with thousands of communities and helping children to reconnect with nature.

Robert said: “I am delighted to be taking part in this project and I will be receiving five saplings of about 40 – 60cm in height in October. 

“The tree species will be one hazel, two silver birch and two rowan trees. The trees are all UK sourced and grown and can be expected to reach 12 – 25m in height.  Full instructions and planting and maintenance will be sent out with the trees.

“If you are a local school or community group and you have an area suitable for trees, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.”

Hazel, silver birch and rowan are all generally plentiful and will suit many types of site size and location.

The trees could be planted as part of an existing planting, or as new planting at a suitable site, as long as they are properly protected. For each of your saplings, you will receive an Ezee Tree Guard - a non-plastic, sustainable guard made from 100% recycled material which is fully compostable and biodegradable, and which will protect the trees against small mammals such as rabbits.

Local schools and community groups can apply to the Woodland Trust for further free trees by visitingwww.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees or visit the shop www.woodlandtrustshop.com Applications to the free trees scheme must be made by 15th August, which would see trees delivered by 15 November.