Southampton to create a ‘Green Canopy’ to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year jubilee

In Southampton, over 100 trees will be planted in parks and open spaces across the city including Riverside Park, Townhill Green and West Park to create a Green Canopy

Sunday 6 February 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne, becoming the first British Monarch to do so.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

Already, 40 trees have been planted in Townhill Green and a further 70 oaks (‘Quercus robur ‘Koster’) are in the process of being planted in Riverside Park.

Southampton has been awarded ‘Champion City’ status under The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) tree planting initiative, as part of celebrations of the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee. Achieved through work of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, the accolade recognises cities across the UK that have trees and woodlands as a central part of their plans for green spaces.

The prestigious title is shared with other cities around the UK including Belfast, Cardiff, Chester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Preston, Swansea, Worcester and York.

Councillor Steven Galton, Cabinet Member for Environment comments:

“To be named a ‘Champion City’ for the Queen’s Green Canopy is a huge honour. We know that planting more trees has huge environmental and mental wellbeing benefits, but the fact that these trees will become a legacy for the benefit of future generations is incredibly unique.

“As we bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, initiatives such as this enables Southampton to further highlight our focus on the environment and sustainability, having an active role in this special and sustainable project commemorating 70 years of service, is something we are extremely proud of.

“Thousands of native trees have already been planted as part of the Council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment and as part of Our Greener City Plan we will see thousands more over the coming years!”

The Queen’s Green Canopy encourages everyone from individuals to Scout and Girl-guiding groups, villages, cities, schools to play their part and ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ during the official planting season between October to March.

Southampton City Council has announced plans to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign, which includes activities such as The Big Platinum Festival in Mayflower Park, planting new trees, afternoon tea with the Mayor of Southampton if you are 70 this year, and information on how you can arrange your own community event or street party. More information can be found on the Visit Southampton website. 

SeaCity Museum will also be opening a Queen’s Jubilee exhibition from April 2022 showcasing Southampton’s Royal connections of the past. The exhibition will be on show in the Southampton Stories gallery.