For her late Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, a Tree of Trees was erected outside Buckingham Palace. This work of natural art comprised 350 separate Silver Birch trees. Originally Oak trees were planned to be used, but this proved too difficult due to the root growth on the oaks.
Councils and municipal authorities across the UK were invited to apply for a tree/ trees for their local areas. The Isle of Wight managed to secure two trees, the first of which was planted by the Lord- Lieutenant Susie Sheldon JP recently.
Brownies from the 10th Newport Unit, together with leaders Felicity and Sarah Harris, had the honour of helping the Lord- Lieutenant plant the tree at Pan Country Park, Newport.
12 other trees planted at Pan
In addition to this special Silver Birch the Brownies planted 12 other trees in a separate location at Pan.
These trees comprised Hawthorn, Dogwood and Rowan together with more Silver Birch.
Many helpers
Helping the Brownies with their planting were Karl, senior Ranger from Natural Enterprise and Rachael Ardley. Karl and Rachael work together at Natural Enterprise/ Gift to Nature which is based at Shide.
Also attending the event were Kate Collins DL, who explained to the Brownies the role of the Lord- Lieutenant saying it had been instigated by King Henry the eighth, Graham Biss, from Gift to Nature, Brian Friend, Chairman of Natural Enterprise and Lee Matthews, from the Isle of Wight Council.
Kate also reminded the Brownies of seeing the Tree of Trees during the London Platinum Jubilee Parade and other celebrations in London.
The Queen’s Green Canopy
The Brownies trees and the Silver Birch will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
On the following day more trees were planted by 4th Sandown Brownies in conjunction with Natural Enterprise at Copse Mead, Lake with once again Karl and Rachael assisting the Brownies and their leaders with this planting. Here seven trees of the same varieties mentioned above were planted.
Planted in late Queen’s memory
Brownie Leader Angela Smith said,
“When the Queen passed away, King Charles III asked for the planting of The Queen’s Green canopy to continue in her memory. The girls were very involved, digging the holes and planting the trees, putting a composting mat around them, (which gives them nutrients) and then protecting the trees by putting a tube around them.
“This was followed by Hot Chocolate and a walk around the meadow, with Rachael pointing out all the different trees and bushes. During the walk the Brownies spotted a Field Mouse, a Tiger Moth Caterpillar, Ladybirds and other small insects.”
Additional planting
Several other Island Brownie units have undertaken the planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy, a scheme which will now continue into 2023.
These additional plantings by Brownies took place at Blackwater and Shanklin.
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of Girlguiding Isle of Wight. Ed
