Alun Cairns MP and Ysgol y Ddraig pupils planted trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. The network of forest conservation initiatives mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
Mr Cairns selected Ysgol Y Ddraig as the location for the trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel – due to their deep commitment to the environment.
The school have their own ‘Gardening Gang’ who are regularly involved in horticultural activities. The special occasion was marked with the use of the school’s commemorative spade, which was the very first to break the ground when the school was built.
The trees were donated to Mr Cairns through a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV. In April the television channel screened a landmark documentary, The Queen's Green Planet, following Her Majesty the Queen and this ambitious legacy project which brings together her deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.
Mr Cairns said:
‘I visited Ysgol Y Ddraig earlier this year to take part in their ‘Save Our Pollinators’ campaign, where we learned about pollination and I got involved in planting with the children.
‘It was clear to see that learning about nature is something that the teachers and pupils are excited about, so it seemed like the natural place to plant the trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. It was a pleasure to plant with the school’s Gardening Gang and I look forward to seeing them grow over the years to come.”
Woodland Trust Chief Executive Beccy Speight said:
“We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity. They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe. I hope the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”