'the imjin magazine' Summer 2022 Summer 2022 | Page 5

Queen ’ s Green Canopy Project comes to Imjin

Station Lt Col Charlie Wasilewski

Those who regularly access Imjin Barracks will have noticed a small group of trees planted in a horseshoe shape , near the Guardroom on the left-hand side of Rheindahlen Road . These trees were planted to formally celebrate the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee , and are part of the national Queen ’ s Green Canopy Project .
The Queen ’ s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative , and was created to mark Her Majesty ’ s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 ; people across the United Kingdom were encouraged to “ Plant a Tree for the Jubilee ”. Lt Col Charlie Wasilewski initially had the idea
to participate in the Queen ’ s Green Canopy Project ; he quickly got the support of the Station Staff Officer , Lt Col ( Retd ) Vince Maher , and the Regional Head Forester , Richard Hartley , to assess appropriate sites across the estate , and provide expertise in both the selection and planting of trees . Whilst the scale of ambition had to be modest , a simple and effective memorial for the Station to recognise the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee was finally chosen .
With a considerable amount of planning and coordination , and with the invaluable support of Mr Gavin Jones and the entire Station Estate Staff , Lt Col Maher secured not only an appropriate site but also the necessary enduring support , to ensure that the trees continue to be maintained . The trees were chosen to represent indigenous UK trees and to provide different colours and textures throughout the year , whilst also assisting local wildlife . There had been significant issues sourcing the trees owing to storms earlier in the year ; but the team selected a range of trees that will represent year-round variety and diversity .
The Queen ’ s Green Canopy is intended as a community event , and that was always the intent within Imjin Barracks . Through his contacts with the local community , Lt Col Maher invited families and children to attend a wonderful opening of the newly planted trees , and Mrs Amanda Borton kindly officiated .
A huge thank you to Lt Col Maher and all of those who supported , organised , planted and watered the trees . It has been great achievement and means that Imjin Barracks now has an appropriate and lasting legacy fit for the monumental occasion that is the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee .
There is a group of personnel within Imjin Barracks who are keen to implement simple , effective initiatives to enhance sustainability . It is hoped to be able to report further on these efforts in future editions .
An Interview with Imjin Station Staff Officer , Lt Col ( Retd ) Vince Maher
The Station Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Vince Maher presided over a tree planting initiative in April 2022 , as part of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ’ s Green Canopy Project . The imjin interviewed the Station Staff Officer about the project …
Q . Can you describe the initiative , and how successful was it ?
A . The aim was three-fold ; to support conservation , to assist our sustainability efforts on Imjin Station , and to commemorate Her Majesty ’ s Platinum Jubilee . The Queen ’ s Green Canopy ( QGC ) project is an excellent way to show support but also helps the first two aims . Given the QGC concept , it was only fitting that I invited a cross section of estate users and our community to take part , in particular young children , who are our future and for whom we must protect the planet going forward . The planting of the trees was also seen as a fitting legacy to HM , and somewhere where people can go to reflect and enjoy the trees . I hope to place some benches in the coming months . The event was well attended by a cross section of people , the children particularly enjoyed taking part . When I asked at the beginning how many had been learning about the QGC and HM Jubilee most put their hands up . This linked in well and I ’ ve since learnt that they were able to go to school and talk , write about their experience that evening and the importance of planting trees as part of conservation and sustainability .
Q . What ’ s the community impact and importance of this event ?
A . It ’ s always important to involve the community in events of this kind ; after all I see the station and community as one . Engagement with parish councils and the community is really important to maintain consent to work , live and train at Imjin , we take nothing for granted . It ’ s also an opportunity to inform them how seriously we take our responsibilities in these areas .
Q . Please tell us more about the trees that have been planted and why those trees were selected ?
A . I asked the expert forester from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation ( DIO ) to provide some ideas on species . This was important as any new tree had to be compatible to the surrounding ones . He compiled a list that would be , and a group that would provide year-round colour . I then met with Mrs Angela Borton to discuss and select . Together we came up with the ones below :
Primary tree
White Birch ( Betula Papyrifera ) originating from the USA and Canada .
Secondary trees
Rowan ( Sorbus Aucuparia ) which grows throughout Europe .
European Crab Apple ( Malus Sylvestris ) which grows throughout Europe .
Common Hawthorn ( Crataegus Monogyna ) which grows throughout Europe .
Field Maple ( Acer Campestre ) which is native to much of continental Europe , Britain , Asia and North Africa .
Cherry ( Prunus Kanzan ) which is common across Europe and North America .
Q . What were the challenges you faced , and how did you overcome them ?
A . The winter and spring storms posed a challenge in terms of availability of some trees . We approached a number of centres and at one stage thought we wouldn ’ t be able to go ahead due to a shortage . However , after widening our search and making a compromise ( no English oak ) we managed to find some suitable trees . At the same time , the window for planting trees ( end of April ) was also fast approaching , and therefore , we decided to go for slightly larger trees which are more developed , and use a watering system which will help .
the imjin SUMMER 2022
5