TAKING a leaf from an initiative inspired by the Queen’s love of trees, Rugby’s MP branched out into gardening when he planted new saplings at Diamond Jubilee Wood.
Mark Pawsey received a donation from the Woodland Trust 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.
Mr Pawsey and Hillmorton County Councillor Yousef Dahmash planted two silver birches, two rowan trees and a hazel tree at the wood in the Rainsbrook Valley.
The planting was possible thanks to the national partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV
In April, the TV station screened documentary The Queen’s Green Planet, following the Queen and her legacy project inspired by her little-known love of trees.
Mr Pawsey said: “One of Rugby’s best features is the green spaces we have throughout the constituency and I was delighted to help add to our natural environment by planting these trees in support of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. Trees play a vital role in the ecosystem, but also create a welcoming environment.
“Rugby’s Diamond Jubilee Wood is quickly becoming a popular areas to walk and enjoy the beautiful terrain on the edge of the Rainsbrook Valley and I was very pleased to be able to contribute these new trees to our growing woodland environment.”
Woodland Trust Chief Executive Beccy Speight said: “We are delighted that Mark has joined us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of 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.
“I hope the residents of Rugby will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”
Around 50,000 young trees were planted in 2012 and 2013 by volunteers and staff from Rugby Borough Council to create Diamond Jubilee Wood, which is situated off Ashlawn Road next to Rainsbrook Crematorium and links to Great Central Way.
