The Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, has planted a pear tree on the roof of YMCA Milton Keynes in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
People across the UK have been encouraged to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC). The initiative commenced in October, at the start of the tree planting season, and The Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, planted the first tree on a rooftop in contribution of the QGC in the county.
Throughout her reign, The Queen has planted more than 1,500 trees across the globe. The QGC will not only benefit the environment but will also create a lasting legacy.
Speaking at the event, The Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire said: “I am delighted to support The Queen’s Green Canopy by planting a tree at YMCA Milton Keynes. This initiative is a wonderful celebration of Her Majesty’s extraordinary service and leadership throughout the past 70 years.”
“We all have the opportunity to honour The Queen by planting a tree to enhance our environment, wildlife and climate. It is exciting to know that our contribution to The Queen’s Green Canopy will benefit many generations to come.”
The QGC coincides with local green projects already underway. Central Milton Keynes’ first ‘live lab’ green rooftop is in development at Saxon Court. Local living roof specialists, Bridgman and Bridgman, are behind the build and have employed three YMCA Milton Keynes residents to work as apprentices on the project and therefore trained to install green roofs. They will apply their new skills to reuse materials and features from Saxon Court to create a green roof at YMCA in spring 2022.
Simon Green, Chief Executive of YMCA Milton Keynes said: “When we planned the development of our new campus, we wanted to ensure that it would not only provide a safe environment for our young people to live, but that it would also enrichen our local environment. We are proud of our residents who are gaining invaluable knowledge and experience working on the Saxon Court project, knowing that their journey will come full circle when they install a green roof here at YMCA next year.”
YMCA Milton Keynes supports people aged 18-35 by providing homes as well as emotional and employment support. The charity’s unique Employability Programme is delivered by Employment Coaches who work with residents on a one-to-one basis. This personalised support helps young people to identify and achieve their individual career goals.
For more information about The Queen’s Green Canopy visit www.queensgreencanopy.org
