The Queen’s Green Canopy in Friendship Woods

Over 250 pupils from St Hilary and Marazion schools in West Cornwall gathered in Friendship Woods this week to plant 500 new trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a nationwide initiative to create a living legacy in Her Majesty’s name. The project, to mark the year of the Platinum Jubilee, will see one million new trees planted across the nation.

Friendship Woods is part of the St Aubyn Estate and is a favourite with walkers. There are a variety of tree species in the woodland, including many majestic, mature pines. An initial planting area measuring 70m by 30m that sits in the heart of Friendship Woods, has been planted with of a variety of native trees including a mix of sessile oak, beech and birch for the main area, with mountain ash, field maple, crab apple and cherry planted on the perimeter.

The initiative teaches children to plan, plant and protect a new tree. It helps future generations understand the importance of trees in our environment and community, as well as providing a vital habitat for local wildlife. The young trees are planted around the focal point of a central, mature oak tree.

“Asking local children to plant new trees felt both symbolic and appropriate,” said Kerry Rice, Education Officer from St Aubyn Estates, “mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and this project certainly has that ambition for success.”

Lord St Levan and Rowan Shaw of TreeWise Tree Services helped the children to plant the trees and with plans to plant a further 3,000 in the coming years, the new Green Canopy in Friendship Woods will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.