Canterbury School Scores Special Queen’s Jubilee Tree
Parkside Community Primary School in Canterbury has landed a rare prize – one of just 70 special Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) trees handed out across the UK to mark the Platinum Jubilee. On Friday, October 15, a stunning Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer tree – a medium-sized beauty with white flowers and tiny brown pears – was ceremoniously planted in the school grounds.
Lord-Lieutenant Leads Star-Studded Ceremony
The tree planting was led by The Lady Colgrain, Lord-Lieutenant of Kent and The Queen’s official county rep. Pupils, staff, and VIP guests including the Chairman of Kent County Council, Ann Allen, joined the event. Four lucky pupils helped plant the tree, which now proudly stands with a commemorative Platinum Jubilee plaque.
Afterwards, the school pinned their tree on the Queen’s Green Canopy virtual map, letting organisers track the national tree-planting wave and inspiring others to get involved.
Executive Head Teacher James Williams said: “The ceremony went brilliantly, and the tree looks right at home in our wonderfully green school grounds. We were honoured to be part of this initiative and delighted to welcome The Lady Colgrain, Mrs Ann Allen, and other special guests. Pupils enjoyed chatting about trees, the environment, and their school.”
A Nationwide Tree-Planting Jubilee
The Queen’s Green Canopy kicked off two weeks earlier at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Crathie Primary School planted the first tree with the help of The Queen and Prince Charles. Since then, 69 more schools – including Parkside – have held their own ceremonies, each led by their local Lord-Lieutenant.
The Lady Colgrain praised the event: “Planting a tree at the school is a wonderful way for children and staff to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee while enhancing the lush green environment. The pupils asked great questions about trees, The Queen, and the environment. I congratulate Parkside for being selected and hope the children enjoy watching their tree grow for generations.”
Local Leaders Back Environmental Efforts
Ann Allen, Chairman of Kent County Council, said: “It’s an honour for Parkside to receive one of these special trees. Environmental concerns are a priority for Kent County Council, and I look forward to more tree planting as we continue Jubilee celebrations.”
Kent’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Shellina Prendergast, added: “I congratulate Parkside and am sure their new tree will spark conversations about nature and provide a lasting Jubilee symbol.”
How Others Can Join In
Beyond the 70 special trees, the QGC encourages schools, communities, and businesses nationwide to plant their own trees to mark the Jubilee. Schools that missed out on a QGC tree can still get free saplings from the Woodland Trust and join the green wave.
With the Platinum Jubilee in full swing, Kent schools and communities are already sowing the seeds for a greener future – one tree at a time.
