THE QUEEN ’ S GREEN CANOPY PROJECT
CCF cadets are rewilding the borders of Duke ’ s Meadow in a nationwide project inspired by Elizabeth II .
The Queen ’ s Green Canopy project encourages the nation to plant trees . It was launched in 2022 by the charity Cool Earth in honour of Her Late Majesty ’ s Platinum Jubilee , before being extended as a legacy following her death . Keen to back the initiative , in 2022 the CCF , organised by Mr Bassett , planted over 100 trees in an extensive area bordering Duke ’ s Meadow , rewilding and bolstering both the nation ’ s and the school ’ s green initiatives .
The aftercare team then formed , learning specific horticultural techniques and improving their organisation and planning skills . The team continued to develop and currently numbers 16 cadets , fostering great friendships and ecological understanding as we now prepare to enter our third year . Foxes , rabbits and countless bird species now inhabit the area , which two and a half years on boasts sizeable trees and saplings , and a serene meadow environment which will gradually become woodland .
We planted for year-round colour , which has given us varying demands between species , with rowans often the hardiest and our hazels typically struggling in the summer months . Despite challenges surrounding water scarcity and the odd loose football , our biggest challenge continues to be the encroachment of brambles engulfing our clearing , and credit must be given to our Year 10 and 11 cadets for their tireless removal of the brambles to a manageable level .
Highlights this year included our participation in the Science Fair , for which we created a short explanatory video outlining our work and its importance in the wider climate crisis ; the adoption of a further 50 saplings ; and a net tree survival rate of above 70 per cent .
Special thanks go to Miss Tebay and Mr Bassett for their vital support of the project , and further thanks to every student and staff member who has contributed , particularly including the Estates team .
Edward Neale , Lower Sixth
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