College’s ‘Green Canopy’ contribution takes root

The first phase of Derby College Group’s contribution to the nationwide tree planting initiative to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has been launched.

The college is planning to plant 1,000 trees over the next five years to create a new woodland called Little Park Wood at its Broomfield Hall land-based college in Morley.

The first stage has included 20 wild cherry trees, which have been planted alongside a collection of other native tree saplings.

Each cherry tree has been sponsored by a curriculum team or individuals and marked with a personalised plaque.

Among the sponsors is the college’s chief executive, Mandie Stravino OBE, who has dedicated the tree to ‘all DCG staff for their dedication to our students – supporting them to blossom in life, work and society’.

She unveiled the plaque and met some of the countryside management and arboriculture students who, along with horticulture students, have been involved in the first stage of planting and have made the wooden plaques.

Mandie said: “This is a wonderful way to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and something that students involved now will be able to return to over the years to see the woodland grow to its full glory.”

Countryside and arboriculture teacher Paul Foskett said: “We have chosen wild cherry trees, which have been in Britain for more than ten thousand years, for their benefit to the local wildlife.

“They will provide a superb habitat for a wide range of animals, a rich source of nectar and fruit or insects and birds and will help define the woodland edge with attractive spring blossom when they mature.”

The college’s head of land-based studies and sustainability lead, Jon Collins, said: “We have planned an extensive planting programme over the coming years including a community planting even this autumn when the public can learn more about native species and plant their own trees.

“Our goal is to create a woodland that will benefit future generations and be enjoyed by walkers using the nearby public footpath through our grounds.”

Derby has been awarded ‘Champion City’ status by an environmental project launched to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

With a focus on planting sustainably, the Queen’s Green Canopy project aims to encourage tree planting to create a legacy in honour of Her Majesty’s leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.

By inviting everyone to plant considerable numbers of new trees throughout the country, the project seeks to highlight the significant value of trees and woodlands as nature’s simple but highly effective way to clean the air, slow the impact of climate change, create important wildlife habitats and improve general health and wellbeing.

Recently, Derby was among a dozen across the UK to be given ‘Champion City’ status under the Queen’s Green Canopy project, following an application submitted by Derby City Council.

Derby is planning to add almost 10,000 new trees across the city as part of the project.