Celebrating 70 years with a million trees

The Jubilee is almost here, but this year it’s not all flags and bunting, it’s about planting too! While the nation gets busy preparing processions, street parties and a whole host of other patriotic celebrations, schools across the UK have been working together to plant a million trees for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The aim of the project is to mark this very special occasion by educating young people about positive climate action, while making a difference for future generations and leaving a lasting legacy for both our country and the wider global environment.

Around 10 billion trees are cut down every year, but they are one of our best allies in tackling climate change. And not only do they remove carbon from the atmosphere, but they also provide homes for wildlife, protect soil, boost our mental wellbeing and so much more. We really can’t afford to be without them.

Planting one million trees is the ambition of the Million Tree Pledge, a collective of businesses and individuals, and One Britain One Nation, a not-for-profit with the vision of bringing the UK together in unity and inclusivity. At Ecologi, we’re immensely proud to be the Million Tree Pledge’s main tree-planting partner. 

The project is being made possible through the fundraising efforts of schools across the country over the coming months, with every child given the opportunity to learn about the importance of our environment while creating thriving forests for the future. You can see just some of the schools taking part here and by checking out #MillionTreeJubilee on Twitter.

One of the schools participating is St. Dominic’s Sixth Form College in Harrow. Tom Colgan, Director of Finance and Human Resources at the college, said of the initiative: “The staff and students of St Dominic’s are fortunate enough to come to work in beautiful wooded grounds every day, and we don’t want to lose this. We therefore all share the common goal that if we don’t do more as a community to help protect our environment now, it will be catastrophic for the planet. In a hundred years’ time people will look back and judge what we do now.”

Another school taking part is Birdham CE Primary School. Ms Pottle, a teacher at the school, said: “As an Eco School the Million Tree Jubilee campaign resonated with our key value of sustainability and the ability to easily start to give back to our environment. We also recognise the need to help the younger generation do a better job looking after the world than us, whilst also supporting our Queen’s Jubilee.” 

Flynn, a nine-year-old pupil at the school, added: “Because of Ecologi, not only is building forests helping the environment but it also is cheering you up because it is making you feel you have done good for the environment and hopefully we won’t destroy it but save it.” We hear you Flynn! 

All schools are welcome to join the Million Tree Jubilee and help us reach our target. Trees planted through Ecologi cost 24p each, so if your school can raise £240 that’s a contribution of 1,000 trees! Why not run a non-uniform day or bake sale for your school? 

Your fundraising efforts will help your children take their first steps on their climate journey. When you join, your school will get its very own virtual forest where you can watch your trees grow. Your pupils can also learn where in the world the real trees have been planted too, and the school will earn badges for its achievements.

Schools can find out more and gather all the resources they need, including a sponsorship form, at the Million Tree Jubilee website.

You can sign up here and start taking part from today. Happy Jubilee everyone, and happy tree planting!