Walsall College supports late Queen’s Green Canopy initiative

Walsall College is supporting the late Queen Elizabeth’s Green Canopy initiative (QGC) by planting a tree at its campus every year.  The pledge comes after the college received an aluminium pot with the queen’s cypher commemorating her leadership of the nation.

The pot came from the Trees of Trees living sculpture created for the Platinum Jubilee.  QGC has gifted the 21-metre sculpture’s 350 special pots to individuals and organisations including the college to celebrate their work and inspire the next generation of tree planters across the nation.

An official presentation of the pot was made to the college by Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, David Frost CBE DL.  Protective services students formed a Guard of Honour in the college campus atrium before the pot was then added to a plinth produced by the carpentry faculty.

“This is a wonderful way for our college community to honour the late Queen and actively contribute to our green landscape,” said Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharma CBE DL.  “Planting trees ensures Walsall continues to have many designated green spaces that will flourish and benefit local people, wildlife and the environment for generations to come.”

“My sincere thanks go to the Deputy Lieutenant for helping us launch our Green Canopy pledge.”

With a focus on planting sustainably, the QGC encourages people and organisations UK-wide to play their part to enhance the environment by planting trees during the official planting season between October and March.  Over 1,500 trees are believed to have been planted throughout the world during the course of the Queen’s 70-year reign.

Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, David Frost CBE DL added: “I am delighted to have presented the college with this lasting memorial to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

“The college is one of four locations in the West Midlands to receive part of the Trees of Trees sculpture and I know the students and staff here will take pride in carrying forward the Green Canopy ethos of environmental conservation and regeneration.”

Each tree planted by the college year on year will include a congratulatory plaque for their Student of the Year who is awarded the title in recognition of their academic and personal achievements. 

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