A hornbeam tree has been planted by Derbyshire County Council's Civic Chairman to mark the authority's support for the Queen's Green Canopy – a nationwide tree-planting initiative created to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

People across the country - from individuals, groups, schools and communities to larger organisations and businesses - are being encouraged to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, just one of a number of national initiatives and events to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

County council Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby planted a hornbeam tree on grassed land close to the Sett Valley Trail in Hayfield.

The event also included two hawthorns and two rowans being planted nearby.

As well as supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, the trees planted will count towards the council’s target of planting one million trees across the county by 2030.

Glossopdale councillor Wharmby said: “It was a real pleasure to be the first person to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and support the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative on behalf of Derbyshire County Council. 

“Trees are a vital part of our environment for so many reasons. As well as being important for biodiversity they are a key component on our journey to becoming a net zero county, helping to off-set carbon emissions that cannot be cut through other measures.

“I’m hoping those who can do will support this positive initiative, whether they do it as an individual or encourage their school, workplace or community to get involved.”

People are being encouraged to plant trees to coincide with two designated planting phases, from now until the end of March, and through November and December.

Anyone planning on planting a tree can get advice from the county council’s Countryside Service by emailing  countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk 

For more information about how to get involved in the Queen’s Green Canopy, go to https://queensgreencanopy.org/ where there are tips on planting trees, how to order an official plaque and an interactive map so that people can pin their tree on a national map.

Schools may be able to access funding for tree planting, and the Woodland Trust is making free trees available for schools and communities. People can find out more by going to https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/

For more information about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/QueensJubilee

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