Group - Jubilee trees planted across Kent
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Jubilee trees planted across Kent

Students, staff and guests have been getting involved in tree planting events across the county to celebrate The Queen’s forthcoming jubilee.

Each of EKC Group’s Colleges and Business Units planted a tree on Monday, March 22 to recognise the platinum anniversary, with saplings installed in towns including Broadstairs, Canterbury and Folkestone.

The effort is taking place as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme which encourages people to plant a tree in the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

Three trees were planted at Broadstairs College
A large number of visitors attended Broadstairs' planting event
Music was provided by Broadstairs students

The concept for Monday’s Group-wide celebrations originated at Broadstairs College, an idea enthusiastically supported by all six Colleges as well as Business Units and EKC Schools Trust primaries.

Louise Mitchell, a prominent local conservationist and Supported Learning Lecturer at Broadstairs, ordered a number of trees, with a separate order by Supported Employment Lecturer Rob Tye arriving at the same time.

In total, 110 trees were delivered and Nicola Kelly, Assistant Principal Support at Broadstairs College, came up with the idea to give the trees to other Colleges and Business Units in the Group.

Children from Canterbury College's Nursery planted trees for The Queen's Jubilee
Folkestone College students were joined by the Principal as they installed the young tree

This concept of planting Silver Birch and Cherry saplings was met with enthusiasm, with Nicola left overjoyed by the positive response.

She said: “I thought this was a great opportunity to bring the Group together, not only in helping the environment but also in celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“We’re hoping to get plaques that mark the occasion, so they’ll also effectively act like a time capsule for as long as the trees exist.

“We planted three trees altogether at Broadstairs College. We had music playing, students got to come and watch while they were put in place and we even had local councillors and the chair of our Governors Board visit. It was quite an event!”

Discussions are now taking place to see whether more trees could be added to Broadstairs College as part of the Queen’s Canopy initiative.