Hull City Council are inviting people to “branch out” and take part in a free, fun-filled activity day of tree planting at a city woodland as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Members of the public are invited to take part in woodland planting, bushcraft, foraging, den building and other tree-related crafts tomorrow on Tuesday 22 February, from 9am to 4pm. It forms part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – a unique tree planting intiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by inviting people from across the United Kingdom to “plant a tree for the Jubilee”.
It’s taking place at the Lozenge, an area of woodland located in the Southcoates ward next to the former Withernsea-to-Hull rail line. Last year, Hull City Council took over ownership of the land from Associated British Ports (ABP) in order to preserve its beauty and enhance accessibility for residents.
It’s a great opportunity for communities and families to come together to enjoy nature and have fun while doing something good for the planet.
Hull City Council will also be giving away young alder buckthorn trees as part of the Butterfly City project which aims to encourage a rise in numbers of the striking brimstone butterfly and help halt biodiversity loss. The shrub also provides a nectar source for bees and other invertebrates.
The event is planned in partnership with many other organisations including Heywoods Community Forest, Trees for Cities, Plant a Tree Today Foundation, the Green Task Force, Rewilding Youth, Butterfly City, Howdens and Probe.
HM Lord-Lieutenant Mr James Dick will also be in attendance and will be making a speech as the Queen’s representative at the event.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: “It is wonderful that so many people are contributing to this project which will improve biodiversity and allows the community to get involved in the development of this recently purchased open space. The woodland extension is the next stage in delivering long-term environmental improvements for residents in this area.
Alex Codd, Hull City Council’s Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “This is the next chapter for this urban woodland and the council is pleased to be working with so many partners on the delivery of this event in support of the Queen’s Green Canopy. The project proudly supports the council’s commitment to delivering nature-based solutions for climate change.”
Dr Charlotte Dean, Director at Rewilding Youth said: “This event is a fantastic way of inviting the general public into one of Hull’s beautiful hidden woodlands and educating the community, particularly young people about the benefits of spending time and being engaged in outdoor activity.”
Sue Balthazar, Manager at Probe (Hull) Ltd said: “This is a great opportunity to show how young people are contributing to this Platinum Jubilee Initiative. Our Kickstart employees have truly impressed everyone with their hard work and commitment to helping the environment by planting hundreds of trees.”
Rory Field, Corporate Partnerships Director at Trees for Cities, said: “It is wonderful to be working with Hull City council on this momentous occasion to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Urban trees make our towns and cities healthier and happier places to live and bring countless benefits to local communities, including tackling the climate crisis. They also provide a home to thousands of species essential to a healthy environment. Trees for Cities would like to thank Howdens, a Platinum Partner of the Queens Green Canopy, for their fantastic support and funding of this project.”
