Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, paid a visit to St Paulinus Church of England Primary School in Crayford last Friday morning (2 November), to plant trees from the Woodland Trust as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over 500 MPs have signed up to take part.

In total there were five trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel – which were all sourced in the UK and will grow to approximately 8-10m in height.

Sir David commented: “I am delighted to take part in this campaign with the Woodland Trust as part of the Queens Commonwealth Canopy, and to help raise awareness of the importance of the UK’s woods and trees. Bexley is fortunate to have so many green and open spaces across the Borough, and it is great to be able to add to our natural environment by planting these trees in support of this initiative.”

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.”