Our campaign is designed to support the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative which has been formed to honour Her Majesty’s unprecedented 70 years of service. The initiative will create a network of trees, copses and woodland dedicated to the Queen as a permanent legacy of her reign.
Why are we doing this?
Green for Grassroots will help to create and sustain more places and spaces where physical activity and recreation can take place, preserving these environments for future generations.
Greener environments are also widely associated with better mental health and wellbeing outcomes including reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and enhanced quality of life for both children and adults.
With sustainability a key element of our strategy, we are keen to lead the sector in doing more to reduce its own environmental impact and make a positive contribution to the climate agenda.
Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO, Lisa Wainwright MBE, said: “As an organisation that has had wonderful support from the Royal Family across many years, particularly our Presidents – the Duke of Edinburgh and the Earl of Wessex – we were incredibly keen to help the sector celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Green for Grassroots will not only demonstrate our thanks to the Queen for her 70 years of service, but it will also help preserve natural environments where people can enjoy the many benefits of sport and recreation for years to come.
“I’d encourage all our members to get involved and become part of a wonderful celebration that will have wide-ranging benefits for both our population and our planet.”
How can you get involved?
Whether you’re an individual hoping to plant a single sapling in your garden or a football club with plans to plant a large tree near your pitches, everyone from the UK can get involved.
Individuals: If you wish to plant a tree in your garden, you are advised to order a tree/trees from your local certified Plant Healthy nursery. Visit the QGC’s PLAN page for advice on where to plant and how to secure a healthy tree which is fit for your location.
Communities, groups and clubs: You can apply for FREE saplings of various sizes through the Woodland Trust website. Alternatively, you can purchase your own packs or you can follow the steps outlined above for an individual.
Sport and recreation businesses: Corporates and businesses are being encouraged to either plant trees on their sites to benefit employees and the wider community or support forest planting projects in their area that have been earmarked by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Find out more here.
The QGC is also offering you the chance to mark the occasion with a physical or virtual commemorative plaque. Visit their commemorative plaque page for further details.
What’s in it for you?
Every Alliance member that plants a tree as part of the campaign will feature on a special page on our website to show thanks to the Queen for her 70 years of service, from the sport and recreation sector.
To feature on our website, simply let us know of your involvement in advance by tagging us on Twitter (@sportrectweets), Instagram (@sportandrecalliance) or LinkedIn (Sport and Recreation Alliance) using the hashtag #GreenForGrassroots - or alternatively, email us at press@sportandrecreation.org.uk.
From October, you can also photograph your Jubilee tree and upload it on to the official QGC map.
When is tree planting season?
The best time to plant trees is from October to March, when tree roots are dormant. However, you will need to start planning during the summer months so we’d advise you to think ahead.
We want as many people involved in sport and recreation as possible to join the campaign so we have created a FREE digital toolkit to help you spread the word to your clubs, volunteers and participants. It includes social cards, suggested messaging and banners to help you with your comms for #GreenforGrassroots.
Is there anything else I need to know?
You can find an overview of the Green for Grassroots campaign here.
You can find out more about planting your tree on the Queen’s Green Canopy website.
For any questions, please email press@sportandrecreation.org.uk.
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