Canterbury School Marks Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Special Tree Planting
Parkside Community Primary School in Canterbury has landed a rare honour. It’s one of just 70 primary schools across the UK handpicked to receive a special Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) tree to plant on its grounds.
The chosen tree, a striking Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer, is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its clusters of white flowers and small brown pears. It was ceremoniously planted on Friday, October 15, with none other than The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Queen’s official county representative, leading the event.
All Eyes on the Tree Planting Ceremony
The ceremony attracted pupils, staff, and special guests, with four lucky pupils helping to plant the tree. After planting, the school proudly added its tree to a virtual map on the Queen’s Green Canopy website, tracking nationwide tree planting efforts and encouraging others to join the green initiative.
“The Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting ceremony went very well,” said James Williams, Executive Head Teacher at Parkside. “The tree and its commemorative Platinum Jubilee plaque look right at home in our wonderful, green school grounds.”
“We’re honoured to be part of this initiative. It was fantastic to welcome The Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Mrs Ann Allen, Chairman of Kent County Council, and other special guests. Our pupils enjoyed chatting about the school, trees, and the environment after the event.”
Queen’s Green Canopy: Nationwide Tree Planting Takes Root
The high-profile QGC project kicked off just two weeks earlier at Crathie Primary School in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where the Royal Family helped plant the very first tree at Balmoral Castle, their Scottish holiday home.
Since then, the other 69 schools, including Parkside, have hosted their own planting ceremonies, each led by their local Lord-Lieutenant. The Lady Colgrain praised the event:
“It was a privilege to lead the QGC planting at Parkside. Planting a tree at the school is a brilliant way to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee while enhancing their beautiful green surroundings.”
“The pupils asked insightful questions about the environment, The Queen, and my role. Congratulations to Parkside for being selected—I hope the children enjoy nurturing the tree and watching it flourish for years to come.”
Local Leaders Back Green Jubilee Effort
Also attending was Mrs Ann Allen, Chairman of Kent County Council, who shared her support:
“I’m pleased to support Parkside’s QGC tree planting. Being one of only 70 schools chosen is a real honour. I hope pupils treasure their Chanticleer tree for many years.”
“Environmental issues are a priority here, and I expect even more tree planting events as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee into next year.”
The QGC initiative isn’t just for schools. It encourages individuals, communities, counties, cities, and businesses to plant trees in tribute. Schools not lucky enough to receive a special QGC tree can still join in, often with free young trees from the Woodland Trust.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Shellina Prendergast, added:
“We’re delighted that Parkside has received a special QGC tree. It’s a wonderful addition to their grounds and a great way to inspire conversations about nature and the environment. The tree will be a lasting symbol of the Jubilee celebrations for months and years to come.”
