South Downs plants 28,000 trees in Queen Elizabeth’s honour amid climate battle
Massive tree-planting spree kicks off for National Tree Week
Over 28,000 trees are being planted across the South Downs National Park to honour the late Queen Elizabeth. The effort is part of a wider campaign to combat climate change with new woodland creation. The planting coincides with National Tree Week (26 November – 4 December), with more than 30 sites getting greened.
Last winter saw 12,000 trees go in the ground, and this winter another 16,000 will join them thanks to the Trees for the Downs and Queen’s Canopy initiatives.
Huge woodland potential across Sussex and Hampshire
A new report reveals nearly 23,000 hectares—about 5% of Sussex and Hampshire’s South Downs—is ideal for new woodland. That’s roughly twice the size of Manchester! Within the National Park alone, 5,500 hectares could be transformed into thick forest.
These new woods could store a staggering 37.7 million tonnes of CO₂ over 100 years, offering a powerful natural weapon against climate change.
Official backs project as a legacy for the Queen and the planet
The study was carried out by the National Park Authority, Sussex Nature Partnership, and the Woodland Trust.
Sonia Lorenzo-Martin, who manages woodlands in the park, said: “These life-giving trees are a fitting tribute to the memory of her late Majesty and all her years of public service to the country. “This new research is very significant. It shows that we have the potential to create a major carbon sink in the South East of England that can help spearhead Britain’s fight against climate change. Around a quarter of the South Downs National Park is already wooded, so adding even more across the region is a very exciting prospect for our nation’s climate action. Every scheme counts and it could be that we help provide a blueprint for woodland creation that’s replicated across the UK.”
How to get involved
Want to help plant the future? Head to www.southdownstrust.org.uk to donate or apply for tree planting next year. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2023.
