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Queen's Green Canopy

We are proud to be planting 10,000 trees across the Borough in 2021/22.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a national planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Over 2021 and 2022 everyone across the country is invited to get involved and plant a tree.

The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. By encouraging the planting of a considerable number of new trees the Queen’s Green Canopy looks to highlight the significant value of trees and woodlands as nature’s simple but highly effective way to clean the air we breathe, slow the impact of climate change, create important wildlife habitats and improve our general health and wellbeing.

You can find out more about The Queen's Green Canopy here. 

Projects

We are planting a tree native to the UK in each ward across the Borough. Soon there will be a map where you can find all 17 trees planted to honour the Queen’s Jubilee. Bedfordshire’s Lord Lieutenant will be helping to plant the first tree and kick off the Queen’s Green Canopy project here in Bedford.

  • A Jubilee avenue is being planted along the footpath in Goldington Green that will lead to the War Memorial. Native trees will provide food and shelter for insects, birds and animals and shade during the summer months.
  • At Jackman’s Farm, near Woodlands Country Park, along with the Forest of Marston Vale and our volunteers, we are planting thousands of trees to extend the local woodlands and to protect Clapham Park Wood, an ancient semi-natural woodland. The trees will be help to combat climate change and bring Bedford closer to its targets of being carbon neutral by 2030.
  • Bedford Borough Council are leading community planting projects across the Borough. At Eastcotts Road the Community Orchard will be extended, providing locals with fruit from Bedford’s famous Laxton varieties. Along the River in Queen’s Park, tree planting will help to rejuvenate the area after recent storms have damaged many of the aging trees. The planting will also help with the Borough's flood prevention as riparian trees help to slow down the movement of water into our rivers.
  • The Big Tree Give Away will provide free trees for residents, businesses, schools and community groups within Bedford Borough to plant on their own land. 5000 young trees will be available for collection on a first come first serve basis to help promote a healthy and green environment, combat climate change and support Her Majesty’s planting aims.

How to get involved

More information on all the initiatives below will be coming soon. 

Tree planting days

Come and join us on one of our planting days. We will be holding volunteer days at Jackman’s Farm, Eastcotts Road and Queen’s Park. You don’t need any experience, we’ll start the day with a planting tutorial so just bring a spade. Planting trees is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air, exercise and leave a lasting mark on your local environment. 

Contact our volunteers team for more information at: volunteering@bedford.gov.uk

Community projects 

Organise a Community project, many estates have a resident association that carry out tasks like litter picking and general maintenance. Your local resident association or local group may be able to drive a tree planting initiative or join us on one of planting days.