South Downs to Plant 28,000 Trees in Queen Elizabeth Tribute
The South Downs National Park is launching a huge tree-planting effort, with over 28,000 trees set to be planted in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This green push also taps into fresh research revealing massive potential for woodland creation to fight climate change.
National Tree Week Kicks Off With Massive Planting Campaign
Kicking off during National Tree Week (26 November – 4 December), hundreds of trees will go into the ground at more than 30 sites across the park. Last winter saw 12,000 saplings planted and this year another 16,000 are set to take root. The efforts are part of the Trees for the Downs and Queen’s Canopy initiatives.
Study Shows South Downs Can Lead UK’s Climate Fight
A new study covering 439,000 hectares of Sussex and Hampshire reveals nearly 23,000 hectares (5% of the land) is prime for new woodland. Within the National Park alone, around 5,500 hectares could be planted.
This potential woodland — twice the size of Manchester — could lock away a staggering 37.6 million tonnes of CO₂ over 100 years. The research was led by the National Park Authority, Sussex Nature Partnership, and the Woodland Trust.
Woodlands Chief Hails Trees as a Living Tribute
“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,” said Sonia Lorenzo-Martin, who manages woodlands in the National Park.
“This new research is very significant. It shows that the South East of England can create a major carbon sink to spearhead Britain’s fight against climate change. With a quarter of the park already wooded, adding more is an exciting prospect for national climate action. Every planting scheme counts, and this could become a model for the whole UK.”
Get Involved: Apply for Tree Planting by February Deadline
Want to help plant trees? To donate or apply for tree planting projects in 2023, visit www.southdownstrust.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2023. Don’t miss this chance to make a lasting impact on the environment and honour the late Queen.
