Tree planting at world-renowned Glyndebourne cements links between the East Sussex Queen’s Green Canopy and the South Downs National Park

The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman visited the celebrated Glyndebourne opera house on 1 March to plant one of twelve trees being planted there to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The ceremonial planting on the edge of the South Downs saw the Lord-Lieutenant plant a disease-resistant elm with the help of Michael Rudman DL who is Patron of the South Downs National Park Trust (SDNPT). They were hosted by Glyndebourne’s Executive Chairman Gus Christie DL.

Five elms, four hazel and three field maple trees were provided by the SDNPT and dedicated to the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), a nationwide initiative marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service to the nation.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) aims to create a national canopy of trees to help reduce the impact of climate change, filter air, increase wildlife habitat and improve the environment for all.

The planting was witnessed by a small group including Richard Waring and Jo Carr, both trustees of the South Downs National Park Trust, and the Marquess of Abergavenny DL, Chair of the East Sussex QGC Working Group, in a beautiful spot on the Glyndebourne estate and within the South Downs National Park.

Mr Christie said: ‘I am thrilled to welcome everybody to Glyndebourne today to celebrate this fantastic initiative which I hope will bring together local communities throughout the country to plant trees for the Queen’s Jubilee.’

Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, described The Queen’s Green Canopy as an excellent environmental initiative, as well as a wonderful way to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to the Nation in this Platinum Jubilee year.

“I am delighted to be here at Glyndebourne today, and to take part in this tree planting ceremony for the Jubilee. There are many ways to take part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, and I would urge everyone to visit the website, spread the word, and get involved,” he said.

Representing the South Downs National Park, Michael Rudman DL said: ‘I am really pleased to be here to show the support of the National Park for this initiative across Sussex, helping to make our environment a little greener through tree planting. With the focus on planting sustainably, the QGC encourages tree planting to benefit future generations, creating a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation.’

Everyone from individuals to groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and organisations is encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees during the official planting season to the end of March. Tree planting will begin again in October, through to the end of this Jubilee year.

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

There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in planting a commemorative tree, whether in your own garden or as part of a community group, a parish council, a church, a school, a charity or a business.  For more information on the Queen’s Green Canopy in East Sussex visit: https://www.ruralsussex.org.uk/what-we-do/other/queens-green-canopy/ and https://queensgreencanopy.org/