The Queen's Green Canopy is an initiative that began in May 2021 in the UK in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. To increase and protect the native tree cover, people were urged to create this 'special gift' for the Queen, to mark her 70 years on the throne.
Kent Army Cadets have taken part in this project which was led by the Regimental Sergeant Major Pete Barnes, who has overseen the planting of 400 saplings at the weekend training centre in Dibgate, Folkestone.
He said:
“It was a great pleasure to support the wishes of HM King Charles III in planting over 400 trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.
I have no doubt that the saplings will grow to create a living legacy to show our expression of thanks for the extraordinary service that the late Queen Elizabeth showed towards this country and the armed forces.
I was helped by a team of cadets from across the county and I’m sure they’ll look back in years to come and be proud to have been involved”.
Kent ACF were allocated a piece of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO estate) to plant the four blocks of trees, each Company across the county (A, B, D and Kent ACF Squadron RE) will be responsible for maintaining their own designated plot.
DIO Forrester George Pete supported our efforts, and we are also grateful to the Forestry Commission for donating the saplings to us. The DIO also kindly donated and erected the fencing.
