Army of volunteers plant almost 1,500 trees in Newcastle

Around 50 volunteers armed with spades planted trees at five sites in Blakelaw Park on Saturday, March 5.

The project supported the North East Community Forest’s aim to plant tens of thousands of trees each year across the region by 2050.

It also paid homage to the Queen’s Green Canopy – an initiative which encourages people to plant a tree for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee – after Newcastle was granted Champion City status.

Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for Climate Change and Public Safety, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people, particularly children and young people, from the local community come together to plant trees for the North East Community Forest and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Each tree planted helps us to become more resilient to climate change, enhances biodiversity and boosts our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“I really encourage communities to get involved in tree planting events as we work together to create greener and more sustainable futures for everyone.”

On behalf of the Queen, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Varn Jassal, presented the QGC Champion City plaque to Cllr Penny-Evans before a ceremonial tree was planted in the park.

Volunteers young and old then rolled up their sleeves and helped plant almost 1,500 trees.

Colonel Jassal said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative that will benefit communities for years to come.

“It is very important that we look after the climate and our environment and planting trees is a good way of doing that.

“It is great to see so many young people getting involved and in the future when they come to the park and see the trees, they will know they were part of that.”

The tree planting event was organised by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, on behalf of Newcastle City Council.

Trees for Cities, the Queen’s Green Canopy, the North East Community Forest, England Community Forests and the Forestry Commission also supported the event.