Newcastle United Foundation plant special tree at NUCASTLE in honour of The Queen

Eco-conscious schoolchildren have helped Newcastle United Foundation plant a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy “Tree of Trees” in celebration of the charity’s community work.

The Foundation – official charity arm of Newcastle United – joins more than 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) as recipients of a British grown tree in The Queen’s name, which are gifted in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher.

Presented by Tyne & Wear Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Varn Jassal and pupils from Hadrian Park Primary School, the tree was planted during a special ceremony outside the Foundation’s new home – NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society – a community hub for people of all ages and abilities able to enjoy sports, leisure, wellbeing and personal development activities.

The tree becomes part of a living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of the QGC.

Hadrian Park Primary pupils – who cycle to STEM learning sessions at NUCASTLE each week from Wallsend, Newcastle – learned how planting trees and protecting forests are simple, cost effective ways to slow climate change, filter our air, enhance communities and provide habitats for wildlife.

Malcolm Munro, Facilities Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are delighted to receive this tree in recognition of our charity’s work with communities across the North East and to share this special occasion with Colonel Varn Jassal and schoolchildren exploring their future at NUCASTLE.

“This tree serves as an inspirational reminder of our commitment to our community and what can be achieved by working together.

“We hope all community members who learn, play and socialise at NUCASTLE with Newcastle United Foundation will enjoy seeing tree flourish for future generations.”

Newcastle United Foundation is an independent registered charity using the power of football to connect, motivate and inspire people across the North East.

Through community, education, health and wellbeing and sports programmes delivered in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and Gateshead, the Foundation strives to improve physical and mental health, boost learning and career prospects and provide life-changing opportunities for all.

The Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Ms Lucy Winskell, said: “I was pleased to recommend that NUCASTLE received one of eight trees which were allocated to outstanding community organisations within Tyne and Wear.”

The tree, marked with a plaque outside NUCASTLE’s entrance, is one of hundreds of trees seen by the world as part of the “Tree of Trees” sculpture outside Buckingham Palace during Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations earlier this year.

Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the QGC “Tree of Trees” sculpture sought to put the importance of trees at the heart of the historic milestone to celebrate Her Majesty, who planted more than 1,500 trees all over the world throughout her 70-year reign.

Trees have been gifted evenly across the UK in proportion to population, with each county receiving at least one tree. The Lord Lieutenants of each county, who are His Majesty The King’s representatives, have been championing the QGC locally and have selected the recipients of the special trees.

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