Brownies on the Isle of Wight have helped to plant 2 trees from the Tree of Trees, which was erected outside Buckingham Palace for Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Tree of Trees was comprised of 350 separate silver birch trees. Councils and municipal authorities across the UK were invited to apply for a tree/ trees for their local areas. The Isle of Wight secured 2 trees, the 1st of which was planted by Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon JP.
Brownies from the 10th Newport Unit – together with leaders Felicity and Sarah Harris – had the honour of helping the Lord- Lieutenant plant the tree at Pan Country Park, Newport.
In addition to this special silver birch, the Brownies planted 12 other trees in a separate location at Pan. These trees comprised hawthorn, dogwood and rowan, together with more silver birch.
Helping the Brownies with their planting was Karl, the senior Ranger from Natural Enterprise and Rachael Ardley. Karl and Rachael work together at Natural Enterprise/ Gift to Nature which is based at Shide.
Also attending the event were Kate Collins DL, who explained to the Brownies the role of the Lord- Lieutenant saying, it had been instigated by King Henry VIII, Graham Biss, from Gift to Nature, Brian Friend, Chairman of Natural Enterprise, and Lee Matthews, from the Isle of Wight Council. Kate also reminded the Brownies of seeing the Tree of Trees during the London Platinum Jubilee Parade and other celebrations in London.
The Brownies trees and the Silver Birch will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
On the following day, more trees were planted by 4th Sandown Brownies in conjunction with Natural Enterprise at Copse Mead, Lake with once again Karl and Rachael assisting the Brownies and their leaders with this planting. Here seven trees of the same varieties mentioned above were planted.
Brownie Leader Angela Smith said:
“When the Queen passed away, King Charles III asked for the planting of the Queen’s Green canopy to continue in her memory. The girls were very involved, digging the holes and planting the trees, putting a composting mat around them, (which gives them nutrients) and then protecting the trees by putting a tube around them. This was followed by Hot Chocolate and a walk around the meadow, with Rachael pointing out all the different trees and bushes. During the walk, the Brownies spotted a field mouse, a tiger moth caterpillar, ladybirds and other small insects.”
Several other Island Brownie units have undertaken the planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy, a scheme which will now continue into 2023. These additional plantings by Brownies took place at Blackwater and Shanklin.
Well done Brownies and their leaders. In years to come those trees will provide a rich habitat for lots of native species !