Church Moderator encourages congregations to get involved with Queen's Jubilee tree planting project

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, is joining with other faith leaders in the UK to encourage people to take part in a tree planting project marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen's Green Canopy campaign will form part of the celebrations honouring 70 years since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

In a special video message, Dr Fair joined the Archbishop of Canterbury and leaders from the Buddhist Society, the Interfaith Council for Wales, Al-Khoei Foundation, Nishkam Centre, the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, the Hindu Council UK, the Moravian Church of Northern Ireland, and the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, encouraged people to 'plant a Tree for the Jubilee' in 2022.

As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen's Green Canopy will highlight and showcase 70 irreplaceable ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 ancient trees to celebrate Her Majesty's 70 years of service.

Speaking about the project, Dr Fair said:

"This is a wonderful idea! It will allow us to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee whilst making a powerful statement about our concern for the future of our planet.

"Planting trees is always an act of faith and an investment in the lives of those who will come after us.

"Let's go for this enthusiastically."

It is hoped that The Queen's Green Canopy campaign will see churches, communities, charities, schools, and councils across the four nations create a lasting legacy that will enhance our environment and the landscape for generations to come.

Those who are interested in taking part are encouraged to plant healthy native trees that will thrive in their environments, and for best results it's recommended that trees are put in the ground between October and March.

Throughout her reign, The Queen has planted more than 1,500 trees all over the world and has spoken alongside Sir David Attenborough of the importance of trees in Earth's future.

The global coronavirus pandemic has been a challenging time which has profoundly changed our lives and generated a much greater public awareness of the need for green space.

The Queen's Green Canopy project will encourage people to come together with the common purpose of 'greening' their local and national environments.

Very Rev Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: "The Queen's Green Canopy Campaign is a timely and exciting project.

"In supporting her commitment to conserving the natural landscape for future generations, this initiative will provide a most fitting celebration of The Queen's long and distinguished reign."

The Faith Leaders participating in the video message include:

• The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
• Desmond Biddulph CBE, The Buddhist Society UK
• Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh OBE, KSG, Chair of the Nishkam Group of Charitable Organisations
• Ms Sarwat Tasneem, Al-Khoei Foundation
• The Rt Revd Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
• Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth
• Kate McColgan, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Chair of Interfaith Council for Wales
• The Rt Revd Sarah Groves, Moravian Church of the British Province, Northern Ireland
• Imam Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, Senior Imam, Makkah Mosque, Leeds, Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board
• Ms Muna Chauhan, Hindu Council UK

The Woodland Trust will be giving away three million saplings free of charge to community groups on a first come first served basis and you can find out more via The Queen's Green Canopy website.