Local MP Alan Mak has joined more than 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
The trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel - were planted at Alan’s constituency office in Langstone Technology Park.
It comes after the Havant MP planted a number of pollinator friendly plants in the same location, supporting the work done by St Alban’s School to protect bees.
Alan said: “Planting these trees outside of my constituency office was a wonderful way to mark the outstanding service the Queen has made to the Commonwealth during her remarkable lifetime of service. The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is an inspiring effort in the fight to preserve and expand our nation’s forests.
“In Havant, I’m committed to boosting the number of trees in our constituency and last year I became a tree warden for the Hampshire Farm Meadows near Emsworth. That builds on the Government’s manifesto pledge to protect our woodland and public forests. I’m happy to be working alongside the Woodland Trust to deliver that promise for residents.”
The trees were donated to Alan thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April 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. In support of the programme the Woodland Trust provided 50,000 trees for ITV viewers.
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 Havant will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”
Picture: Havant MP Alan Mak planting a number of trees for the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy