Four British native broadleaf trees, awarded as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project, were planted in the grounds of Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham.
Ninestiles, in Acocks Green, is believed to be the only school in Birmingham to be awarded the trees as part of a project that was launched in 2015 with the aim of creating a network of conservation initiatives across the Commonwealth to raise awareness of the value of indigenous tree populations.
In the presence of - and led by - Clive Stone DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands on behalf of Her Majesty, the tree; including rowan, silver birch and hazel, were planted with pupils overlooking and very much being part of what was a historic occasion
Each of the trees planted was selected by children to represent an aspect of Ninestile’s role as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School which focuses on wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem - all designed to make a positive impact on the whole community; Each represent the right to health; the right to protection from violence; the right of non-discrimination and finally, the right to freedom of expression.
Thrilled that they were selected, Ninestiles’ joint head Andrea Stephens, said: “This initiative is a fitting way to celebrate The Queen’s long reign, but it also symbolises our school’s belief in growth and nurture. It is to be hoped that these five saplings will be appreciated in the years to come by many generations of schoolchildren as well as their parents, carers, families and the wider community.”
He added: “I also want to pay tribute to Lucy Fisher and Holly Turton, two teachers at our school, who were instrumental in applying in the Commonwealth Canopy ballot. They are both dedicated to our Academy being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and it is fitting that we should be combining these two elements.”
The landmark project was recently featured in a conversation between Her Majesty the Queen and Sir David Attenborough in the ITV documentary; ‘The Queen’s Green Planet’.
