Queen's Green Canopy Celebration Tree

Published: 15 October 2021

On Thursday 14 October,  HM Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire,  Mayor of Derby and students from Castleward Spencer Academy planted one of 70 School Celebration Trees during a tree planting ceremony at Castleward Spencer Academy. School Celebration Trees are part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative which was launched earlier this year as part of a unique, UK-wide tree planting project aimed at creating a lasting legacy in honour of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Nation. 2022 will be the year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a celebration and thanksgiving for her 70 years on the throne.

Following the tree planting ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant, Mayor and other guests were taken on a tour of the brand-new school building which Castleward Spencer moved into in September 2021. The school building is also being used by Ravensdale Infants School who were also present during the tree planting ceremony, along with students from Ashwood Spencer Academy – the sister school of Castleward Spencer Academy.

Castleward Spencer Academy, which is part of the Spencer Academies Trust, was built in the heart of Castleward in Derby, as part of our major regeneration project. The school is currently open to both nursery (from the age of three) and reception aged pupils. Our outstanding early years provision is led by a highly experienced teacher and teaching assistant. The school has not one but two roof top play decks. In time, as the school grows, these will provide our pupils with a wealth of opportunities to develop a life-long love of learning, both inside and outside the classroom with features such as reading cabins, construction corners and music zones to name but a few.

Lindsay Trail, Castleward Spencer Academy said:

It was an honour and a privilege for our school, Castleward Spencer Academy to be chosen to receive a tree to be planted as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. The planting of the tree is symbolic for our brand new school, as our children will be able to see it grow over time, just like our school will.

The word GROW also summarizes our values at Castleward Spencer Academy.  Our GROW values are at the heart of everything we do to help our children learn, develop and thrive; Great communication skills, Resilient and confident learners, Opportunity to be independent and curious, Working together through kindness to enjoy and achieve. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a special day.

‌The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill, CBE, said:

It was fantastic to spend time with the students and staff at Castleward Spencer Academy as we planted a tree for the jubilee. I encourage as many schools, individuals and organisations as possible within Derbyshire to consider planting a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy and create a lasting legacy to Her Majesty within our county.

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council said:

I’m delighted that the new academy in Castleward has been selected as one of only 70 schools across the country to plant a School Celebration Tree. It is a real honour for them and for the city.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a fantastic idea and as a Council we’ll be supporting it as much as possible in 2022.

Everyone from individuals, charitable organisations, schools and estates are encouraged to get involved in planting trees during the official planting season, which runs from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022.

For more information about how you can get involved, please contact Brell Ewart, Deputy Lieutenant who is co-ordinating the project within Derbyshire, or visit the Queen's Green Canopy website. 

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