MP plants trees for Queen’s canopy initiative

WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid is joining over 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
He planted the trees – two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel – in Bank Park in the town centre.
They were donated to Mr Rashid thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April screened a landmark documentary, The Queen’s Green Planet, following Her Majesty and this ambitious legacy project which brings together her deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.
At the heart of the film was a conversation between the Queen and Sir David Attenborough filmed in the gardens of Buckingham Palace last summer.  In a rare opportunity to see the Queen talking informally to Sir David, the conversation ranged from climate change, to conkers and of course trees, and was watched by 6.4 million viewers, making it ITV’s most watched factual programme of the year.
In support of the programme the Woodland Trust provided 50,000 trees for ITV viewers, and via Frank Field MP, who conceived the QCC initiative, also offered a special commemorative pack to every MP in the UK.
Mr Rashid said: “I am pleased that Warrington South is taking part in this fantastic initiative. This is a great opportunity for the constituency to engage on the vital role trees have in our environment, and how we must further recognise the importance of tree conservation.
“Many thanks to everyone who attended the ceremony. I am delighted that many senior figures from Warrington Borough Council and local representatives took part in what is a great addition to the legacy of our town. ”
Trust, and the thought of being able to get so many more in the ground as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy with the support of so many MPs is an exciting prospect.”