Robert has planted a tree with the help of the Wychwood Project as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
The trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel - were planted in Foxburrow Wood, north of Witney.
They were donated to Robert thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April screened a landmark documentary, The Queen’s Green Planet, following Her Majesty the Queen and this ambitious legacy project which brings together her deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.
In support of the programme the Woodland Trust provided 50,000 trees for ITV viewers, and offered a special commemorative pack to MPs.
Robert was one of several MPs who took up the offer, reaching out to local charity The Wychwood Project to ask if he could plant the trees with their help to raise awareness of the work they do to restore and conserve wildlife habitats in West Oxfordshire.
Robert said: “I am delighted to be a part of this important initiative, which is all about celebrating forests – one of the most vital of nature’s natural habitats. Trees are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity. They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this wonderful initiative, particularly Toby Swift of the Wychwood Project who helped me to plant the trees and explained more about the work they do across West Oxfordshire.
“We are immensely fortunate to have the Wychwood Forest and other stunning woodlands on our doorstep and I hope these trees will act as a symbol of West Oxfordshire’s commitment to protecting and enhancing these vital habitats.”
