The Queen's Green Canopy

Written By: Padre Philip Wilson

Rabbit’s Hill, on the domestic site at RAF Benson is being transformed into a sustainable, biodiverse wellness area that can be enjoyed by the whole community, celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In all, 70 trees – one for each year of her reign – will be planted as part of “The Queen’s Canopy” – a national environmental project launched by the Queen and, the then, Prince of Wales to boost the number of trees throughout the land.

The project, which has involved a considerable amount of planning and co-operation across various agencies, has been months, if not years, in the making. Under the careful supervision of MAcr Andy Hunt and his enthusiastic team, nothing has been left to chance. Trees have been specially chosen in consultation with the Forestry Commission and ecological experts to ensure they not only encourage biodiversity but have no impact on flight safety; partnerships have been forged and deepened with DIO and Vinci services; many cups of coffee have been drunk and PowerPoint presentations shown. Early on, it was decided that this should be a whole community project and part of the RAF’s ASTRA initiative, incorporating the next generation of the Royal Air Force, with tree-sponsorship available to various clubs and organisations across Station, the central tree being suitably dubbed “The Queen’s Tree”.

The project has involved several key stages:

• First of all, in early May the whole site was cleared of weeds and mown, with markings laid out for where the 70 holes for trees would be dug. • Towards the end of May, the first of 55 trees were planted by contractors. • The remaining 15 trees were decided to be planted by the community around the time of the

Jubilee Celebrations. • AOC 2 Group, Air Vice

Marshal Suraya Marshall kindly agreed to plant “The

Queen’s Tree”, unveiling the ceremonial plaque, and officially declaring the area open, during her

Annual Formal Inspection of Benson on 7 June. • Finally, an area of chippings and a bench will be installed near to

“The Queen’s Tree”.

From the outset it has been envisioned that the project would be more than a oneyear spectacle but would be maintained and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.

Dog walking will continue at Rabbit’s Hill for many years to come, but in a more diverse and aesthetically pleasing environment than ever before. MAcr Hunt, Fg Off Kyle Murrie, SAC Adam Hollick and Sqn Ldr Karl Wright and many others are to be thanked for their hard work on such a tree-mendous project, fit for a Queen!