Derby named as Queen’s Green Canopy ‘Champion City’

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

The city is among a dozen across the UK to be given such status under the Queen’s Green Canopy project, following an application submitted by Derby City Council.

To mark its launch in Derby, a new civic tree was recently planted in Sir Peter Hilton Gardens, opposite the Council House.

The tree was jointly planted by Councillor Robin Wood, Mayor of Derby, the Lord Lieutenant Elizabeth Fothergill and High Sherriff of Derbyshire, Louise Potter. It is one of thousands of other trees due to be planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy in Derby.

Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of the city council, said: “We’re delighted that Derby has been given Champion City status as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

“As a city we’ll be taking part by not only planting our civic tree but by adding almost 10,000 new trees across the city for the people of Derby to enjoy.

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is a fantastic idea, and we will continue to support with planting all the way through 2022.”

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.

Everyone from individuals, charitable organisations, schools and estates are encouraged to get involved in planting trees.

The new tree planted at Sir Peter Hilton Gardens, which is an Acer, was chosen as it has variegated leaves, which will add colour and diversity with its cream and green foliage.

At the tree planting, a choir from Castleward Spencer Academy performed a song written especially for the ceremony.

The academy received a celebration tree last year, which was planted on school grounds. The school was just one of 70 in the country to receive such a tree.

Councillor Wood said: “It is a great honour to receive Champion City status here in Derby; a fitting way to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Derby is proud of its green spaces, and I’m pleased that as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy we’re planting over 9,000 trees across the city.”

Lord Lieutenant Elizabeth Fothergill said: “As the home of the country’s first public park, Derby Arboretum, it’s only right that Derby is given Champion Status as part of this prestigious legacy.

“It was an honour to have been invited to join the Mayor of Derby and other leaders, as well as students from Castleward Spencer Academy for the planting of trees in recognition of Her Majesty, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“I’d encourage as many schools, individuals and organisations as possible within Derbyshire to consider planting a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy and create a lasting legacy to Her Majesty within our county.”