Local MP Alan Mak has launched an initiative to encourage people to plant trees in the Havant Constituency.
He is urging residents, businesses, schools and organisations to take part in his Havant Constituency Tree Planting Challenge to enhance the environment and our local quality of life.
Mr Mak was inspired by The Queen's Green Canopy, an initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. People across the UK were invited to plant a tree for the Jubilee, with the aim of creating a legacy that will benefit future generations.
Alan Mak MP's Havant Constituency Tree Planting Challenge, supported by the Woodland Trust, was officially launched by the planting of a tree on land at the Station Theatre in Hayling Island by Mr Mak and Sir Nicholas Bacon, Chair of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative and President Emeritus of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Also present were Hayling Island county councillor Lance Quantrill and a senior representative from the Woodland Trust.
Now Mr Mak is asking people in the Havant Constituency to follow his lead and plant more trees that can help to clean the air we breathe, make the area more attractive and improve our general health and wellbeing.
The UK needs millions more trees to reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target and planting is a key part of the Government's plans.
Mr Mak said: "Trees enhance our local environment and quality of life, so I’m calling on residents, businesses, community groups and everyone with an interest in enhancing our area to plant a tree. I’m delighted the Woodland Trust and the Chairman of the Queen’s Green Canopy are backing my project, and hopefully we can plant 1000 new trees in our area.”
He would like all those who plant trees in the Havant Constituency to e-mail him with details of where they are and what species they are so that he can build up a record. Please send details to www.alanmak.org.uk/contact
For more information about Alan’s Tree Planting Challenge and obtaining seeds and saplings from the Woodland Trust, please visit: www.AlanMak.org.uk/Tree