Bloomsbury in bloom as plaque unveiled as part of Queen’s Green Canopy before King’s Coronation
Bloomsbury will be a greener place for future generations as trees in parks across the University of London estate begin to bear fruit.
Staff volunteers planted 18 dwarf plum trees in Woburn Square, Gordon Square, and Torrington Square earlier this year, one for each of the University of London’s federation members.
To mark the occasion, and the Coronation of His Majesty The King tomorrow (6th May), University of London Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE unveiled a plaque commemorating the service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Woburn Square. The event was attended by leaders from the 18 federation members, who were entertained by a short history lesson on the area by Senate House Library archivist, Richard Temple.
The Queen’s Green Canopy was part of 2022’s Foundation Day celebrations and represents a unique initiative to celebrate Britain’s longest reigning monarch by enhancing our natural landscape for future generations.
The scheme, of which His Majesty The King is Patron, brings together a host of schools, communities, and other organisations across the UK, who collectively have planted more than one million saplings in The Queen’s name.
The Queen and then Prince Charles planted the first tree in March 2021 at Windsor Castle. The first overseas Jubilee Tree was planted by University of London Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, at Hôtel de Charost, the residence of the British Ambassador to France.
The project was due to conclude in 2022 at the end of the Platinum Jubilee year. However, following the wishes of The King, it has been extended to give people the opportunity to plant trees to honour Her Majesty in memoriam.
In a speech unveiling the plaque University of London Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson said:
“I am delighted to say that today, we are taking a step forward in the Green Canopy initiative by unveiling 18 dwarf plum trees planted across our estate, one for each of our federation members. As an institution that values environmental stewardship and sustainability, we are proud to participate in this initiative and celebrate the University of London’s long association with the Royal Family, as well as celebrating our federation.”
