A NATIONAL initiative encouraging people to plant trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has been extended into next year.

The scheme – the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) – was due to come to an end at the end of the year.

However, following the Queen’s death last month, a decision has been taken to extend the project until the end of March.

Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, welcomed the move and said: “The decision to extend the Queen’s Green Canopy for a further three months will give people in East Lothian an opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty The Queen.

“As the official tree planting season in the United Kingdom is from October to March, extending the QGC is highly appropriate and will enable others to join the many individuals, groups and schools in East Lothian who have already been involved.”

All across the UK, people were invited to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’ to create a legacy to benefit future generations.

With a focus on planting sustainably, everyone was encouraged to play their part.

During the first official planting season, from October 2021 to March 2022, the QGC inspired over a million trees to be planted across the UK.

In East Lothian, trees were planted from Leuchie House, near North Berwick, and West Barns Primary School to Papple Steading and Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans.

Provost John McMillan added: “The extension means local communities can play their part in helping to enhance the local environment whilst paying a lasting tribute to the Queen.

“I hope as many people as possible will participate, helping to create a legacy which benefits future generations.”

For more information on how to get involved, go to queensgreencanopy.org