Hertfordshire joins 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee' initiative to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Hertfordshire County Council is joining thousands of people from across the UK in celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

On behalf of Hertfordshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, the county council will help lead the county’s tree planting efforts for the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which encourages people to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'.

Residents, community groups, farmers, schools, district councils and local businesses will be encouraged to plant trees and hedges, in a county-wide effort, from October 2021, when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.

Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Richard Roberts said: “We’re really excited to support this new initiative in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

"Improving our natural environment is a collective effort, which is why we’re aiming to help residents, districts, partners, landowners and local businesses to get involved.

"The Queen’s Green Canopy will help progress our current ambitions for the natural environment and improving biodiversity across the county."

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, said: “This marvellous project is a great opportunity for every Hertfordshire resident-young and old-to get involved and help to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the same time making a significant contribution to the environment of our county.

"The Deputy Lieutenants and I look forward to joining as many people as possible planting their trees in our great towns, cities and country areas across Hertfordshire.”

Newly appointed Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Councillor Seamus Quilty will be the first county council Chairman to be officially titled as the Platinum Jubilee Chairman in order to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s succession, along with Councillor Annie Brewster as the Platinum Jubilee Vice-Chairman.

Plans are underway with the county council currently looking at its land to identify opportunities for an avenue of trees or signature tree planting in each of its 10 districts.

The feasibility of a ‘jubilee woodland’ is also being explored as well as hedges, all increasing natural habitat and green spaces.

Hertfordshire County Council will also be sign-posting its schools and academies to the Woodland Trust’s Free Trees for Schools and Communities Scheme. Giving schools an opportunity to receive a free tree saplings pack on a first come first served basis. As well as engaging with local community groups, sports clubs, youth groups, care homes, and town and parish councils

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a project which both reflects and supports the county council’s own ambitions within the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy, which pledges to improve nature and wildlife across the county.