Schoolchildren & community members plant trees for the Queen's Green Canopy

Local resident, business and family man Kelvyn Miller has continued on with his good work from giving trees to schools by donating native trees to be planted in a local community green space - Pant Y Fforest playing field in Ebbw Vale.

School children from Willowtown and Glyncoed Primary schools, along with the Deputy Lieutenant for Gwent were invited to participate in this unique tree planting initiative to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Parc Nant Y Waun Friends group (organised by Nicholas Beswick) have also been busy planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy.

The trees are natives, and not only will they mark the Platinum Jubilee, they also have so many benefits in combatting the effects of climate change as well as the day-to-day benefits they have, providing habitats (oak and beech leaves are favoured by hedgehogs for nest building) and improving our mental health. The trees will also enhance the area for biodiversity whilst creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Councillor Joanna Wilkins, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for the Environment says:

“The eyes of the world are on the climate emergency and the effect it’s having on our planet, and also what needs to be done to tackle the issue including promoting biodiversity and our natural environment.

“We may be just a tiny corner of the world here in Blaenau Gwent but we are certainly stepping up and playing our part in this fight. Involving our children and young people in this is absolutely vital, and instilling in them the passion and the tools to succeed. Thank you to Kelvyn, once again what an amazing gesture!”

Ben Herbert, a Deputy Lieutenant for Gwent, joined local school children in planting trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. He says:

“It was a pleasure helping local schoolchildren plant 250 trees. The QGC initiative is one which is close to her Majesty’s Heart, the trees will I am sure continue to prosper and thrive and be a lasting memento to Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne and will help mitigate the effect of climate change”

Councillor Clive Meredith, Ward Member for Glyncoed says:

“It is fantastic to see our young generation participating in the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Not only are they part of a lasting legacy for generations to come, but they are also helping the local biodiversity of the area by planting native tree species that will provide food and shelter.”

Nicholas Beswick added:

“The volunteers of the Friends of Parc Nant-y-Waun are delighted to be working with members of our community to plant trees generously donated by the Woodland Trust for the Queen’s Green Canopy.  The trees will enhance the Parc for the community and its wildlife, as well as helping to combat climate change.”