Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, is joining more than 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
Two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel tree have been planted in Alexandra Park, Oldham, by the council’s green space team.
The trees are one of a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
Mrs Abrahams said: “It’s so important that we do everything we can to combat climate change and the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a great way to highlight the importance of the UK’s woods and trees in that effort.
“Trees are integral to our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity.
“They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe.”
The trees were donated thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April screened a landmark documentary, The Queen’s Green Planet.
It follows Her Majesty the Queen 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.
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 the Rt Hon Frank Field MP who conceived the QCC initiative, also offered a special commemorative pack to every MP in the UK.
Woodland Trust Chief Executive, Beccy Speight, said: “We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
“I hope the residents of Oldham and Saddleworth will enjoy watching these saplings grow and flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”
Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe said: “As the Woodland Trust’s largest corporate partner, we’re committed to raising awareness of the importance of the UK’s woods and trees, and contributing to their conservation.”
The Woodland Trust, established in 1972, is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and has more than 500,000 supporters.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a unique network of forest conservation projects which unites the Commonwealth family of nations to save one of the world’s most important natural habitats. Find out more online: https://queenscommonwealthcanopy.org/