Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas today planted five trees at Westdene Primary School as part of an international network of forest conservation initiatives – the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

The Green Party MP was joined by children from Westdene’s ‘school gardeners’ and Eco Council to bed in the saplings – two silver birch, two rowan and one hazel.

She is among more than 500 MPs to plant trees as part of the project, which is being led by the Woodland Trust. 

Caroline Lucas MP said: “Trees are so important for people and wildlife, and I hope these saplings will bring beauty, fresh air and opportunities for children to get hands-on with nature for decades to come.

“I was really impressed by the outside learning space at Westdene when I last visited and know pupils will look after the trees well.

“In the coming months I’ll be campaigning for the Government to announce new funding to restore nature across the country and bring more trees into all our lives.”

Debbie Crossingham, headteacher at Westdene Primary School, said: “It’s fabulous that Caroline thought of Westdene for this exciting initiative. Everyone at the school is delighted to have the new saplings in our grounds.

“We will do our best to keep them healthy and strong with the support of our gardening experts and I know that the children will enjoy keeping Caroline updated on their progress.”

Woodland Trust Chief Executive Beccy Speight said: “We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. We all need trees. They 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 hope the residents of Brighton will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”