South Downs to Plant 28,000 Trees in Queen’s Memory
The South Downs National Park is launching a massive tree-planting blitz, with over 28,000 trees set to be planted as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. This green push coincides with a new report highlighting the huge potential of woodland creation to combat climate change.
National Tree Week Sees Thousands of Trees Go in the Ground
National Tree Week (26 November – 4 December) is already underway, with more than 30 sites across the South Downs National Park getting a green makeover. Last winter, the park planted 12,000 trees, and this year they’re ramping up to 16,000 more as part of the Trees for the Downs and Queen’s Canopy projects.
Massive Woodland Potential Could Soak Up Carbon Like Never Before
A recent study of 439,000 hectares across Sussex and Hampshire reveals nearly 23,000 hectares — about five percent of the land — is prime for new woodland. Within the park itself, 5,500 hectares could be transformed. That’s forest area double the size of Manchester, capable of storing up to 37.6 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next century.
Experts See New Woods as a Climate Game-Changer
The research is a collaboration between the National Park Authority, Sussex Nature Partnership, and the Woodland Trust.
Sonia Lorenzo-Martin, who manages woodlands in the park, told us: “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 can create a major carbon sink in South East England to lead Britain’s fight against climate change. A quarter of the South Downs National Park is already wooded, so expanding this offers an exciting opportunity for our nation’s climate action. Every tree counts, and our work could serve as a blueprint for woodland creation across the UK.”
Get Involved: Donate or Apply to Plant Trees
If you want to help or apply to plant trees next year, head to www.southdownstrust.org.uk. But hurry, the deadline for applications is 28 February 2023.
