Seventy Saplings planted for the Queens Jubilee

To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Aspire Defence has planted groups of 70 saplings at each of the Garrisons managed under the Project Allenby Connaught contract to signify each year of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.

The tree planting initiative is in line with The Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting project inviting individuals and organisations all over the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Her Majesty, The Queen and The Prince of Wales both launched the initiative in Spring 2021 with the planting of a Verdun Oak tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Similarly, three Oak trees were planted at Montgomery House by Major General David Eastman, Lieutenant General Ian Cave and Aspire Defence Limited’s CEO, Allan Thomson as part of the tree planting ceremony at Aldershot garrison.

Speaking on the concept behind the design for the tree plantation appearing in the shape of a clock, Major General Eastman said,

“The aim is to represent time and the amount of time that the Queen is on the throne. So, it’s laid out as a clock and then we have three oaks in the centre which hopefully will last for a significant period.”

Over 600 trees from a mix of species based on criteria such as suitability for location, disease resistance, climate change resilience and ability to support biodiverse habitats, have since been planted by Aspire Defence Services Limited across Aldershot, Larkhill, Warminster and Tidworth garrisons.

This tree planting exercise was carried out in conjunction with the Army as part of their broader sustainability agenda, that includes a plan to increase from 11% to 14% tree coverage across all their estates.

Highlighting the importance of the exercise, Nick Kirwan, Environmental Manager for Aspire Defence Services Limited said:

“This is a unique tree planting initiative which invites people and organisations to create a legacy in honour of the Queen which will also benefit future generations. The 70 trees planted at each of the garrisons are made up of a variety of species selected to both provide valuable habitat for wildlife and be resistant to climate change and disease”.