40,000 enrol in The Queen’s Green Canopy Junior Forester Award

The project was launched in October 2021 and has now completed one planting season.

One teacher said: “The children’s engagement and connection with the outdoors is evident. They really loved getting hands on and look forward to the future habitat and benefit their planting brings.”

Another said: “I trialled the award with a small group of Y1 & Y2 pupils as an afterschool club. The children enjoyed the projects, in particular, risk assessing and preparing the site, measuring a tree, habitats and making a large 70 out of fallen leaves. The children are enthusiastic about taking part as they love being in the outdoors.”

While another revealed: “The children were very enthusiastic and delighted to take part in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee project and suggested that a plaque should be displayed. The school council is designing the plaque, which will be revealed during our Jubilee party in June.”

From the 39783 children and young people already taking part, the response has been equally joyful:

• Ava said: ” I like being outside in the sunshine, looking at objects I wouldn’t normally notice.”
• Archie, 5, with a huge smile on his face, said: “I like helping insects, they are my friends.”
• Leo, 9, loved planting a tree knowing it will be around for future children to enjoy
• Poppie, 8, took a real interest in creating spaces for wildlife. She helped make a large bug hotel using pallets
• Sam, 6, was amazed at learning how long the Queen had been Queen and loved planting a fruit tree to celebrate.

Created in partnership with The Queen’s Green Canopy, the special Jubilee edition of the Queens Green Canopy RFS Junior Forester Award is supported by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society. Activities are linked to Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which marks 70 years of service. It gives an introduction to forestry and how to assist in woodland management in schools and local communities. It is free to sign up to and will run until the end of  the next planting season, March 2023

RFS Learning and Outreach Manager Becky Wilkinson said: “It is wonderful to see a new generation of young children enjoying the woodlands and understanding how they need to be cared for in the future.  These are the foresters of the future, helping to care for our environment and our economy.”

For some children there will be added memories. To bring the first planting season to a close, The Countess of Wessex planted an elm tree in the garden at Buckingham Palace with students from Grange Park Primary in Shropshire.

The students were presented with special commemorative Jubilee coins from the Royal Mint, to mark the successful completion of their QGC RFS Junior Forester Award. The first 7,000 students to complete the Award will receive the commemorative coins, gifted by The Royal Mint.

The award consists of a programme of eight sessions including one tree planting session.