12/10/2021

Greenway Primary School in Rumney has today hosted a special tree planting ceremony to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The Queen's Green Canopy is a unique initiative which invites people across the United Kingdom to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee". As part of the scheme, 70 Celebration Trees are being gifted to primary schools in 69 cities across the UK with the aim of highlighting theeducational aspects of trees and the significance of giving young people access to nature.

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs. Morfudd Meredith presented the tree, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, during a ceremony at the school.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry was joined at the event bythe Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Rod McKerlich and Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Sue McKerlich,Greenway Primary School Headteacher Nic Naish and Vice Chair of Governors Stacey Clausen.

Other guests includedHigh Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Peter Dewey and local Councillors and pupils from took part in the ceremony, including a performance from the school choir.

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs. Morfudd Meredith said:"Earlier this month, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales joined by local schoolchildren, marked the start of the official planting season for The Queen's Green Canopy, at the Balmoral Estate. It also marked the start of The Queen's Green Canopy education programme which seeks to inspire young people as the future custodians of our green spaces, forests and woodlands.

"I am delighted to have today presented a local Cardiff school, Greenway Primary, with a tree on behalf of Her Majesty and I am so pleased for the interest taken by the Headmaster, Nic Naish and the pupils in this project.

"In addition the Queen's Green Canopy is encouraging all schools to get involved with planting trees for the Jubilee, with free packs available through their partners the Woodland Trust and the Conservation Volunteers. The project encourages everyone to plant trees as a simple natural solution to climate change, cleaner air, habitat for wildlife and enhancement of health and wellbeing."

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Ensuring that children and young people have access to green spaces and outdoor areas is key. I am delighted that Greenway Primary School has been selected to receive this special tree, an initiative that will allow pupils to feel inspired by nature and encourage them to take ownership of their local surroundings but also the parks, forests and woodlands across the city."

OnJune 5 2022, Greenway Primary School will celebrate its 70^thBirthday, just two days after Her Majesty The Queen. A further six trees are to be planted alongside The Queen's Green Canopy celebration tree to mark each decade that the school has been open. 

Greenway Primary School Headteacher Nic Naish said: "We are honoured and delighted to have been selected to receive the tree which will serve as a visible reminder of this historic occasion for generations to come and be the start of our own 70^thBirthday celebrations.

"It will further assist as a catalyst for Greenway Primary School, The Oaks Federation and other schools to continue to develop outdoor spaces to support nature and offer environments where children's learning and wellbeing is enhanced."

A digital record of the green canopy of tree planting projects across the country can be viewed via the QGC Map:https://queensgreencanopy.org/map-education-hub/qgc-map/#/