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The Queen's Green Canopy leaves living legacy

As The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative reaches its conclusion, we would like to say how proud SVR are to have been part of its success and the living legacy it has created.

Last May, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we held a special tree-planting ceremony at our Edinburgh residence, Whitefoord House.

A crab apple sponsored by Association of Wrens Edinburgh & District Branch was planted by Margaret Runcie (pictured), who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (the Wrens) during the Second World War and was posted to HMS Jackdaw at Crail in Fife.

Mrs Runcie, from East Lothian, sadly passed away on 23 December aged 97.

Royal Navy Veteran David Cutler planted a second tree on behalf of RNA City of Edinburgh Branch and Army Veteran Mark Doig, representing the residents of Whitefoord House, planted a third. They are blossoming well in our front garden, just off the Royal Mile.

The two-year initiative has been popular and impressive from start to finish. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the then Prince of Wales planted the first tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle in March 2021, to mark the launch of the QGC. Following the wishes of the Patron, His Majesty The King, the QGC initiative was extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty, who passed away on 8 September.

We have added the SVR trees to The Queen’s Green Canopy interactive map, which you can view online, showcasing the thousands of planting projects which took place across the United Kingdom.

You can view the map and learn more by visiting www.queensgreencanopy.org