The Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Andrew Burns CB OBE has planted the 100th tree at the China Fleet Country Club, as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).
The QGC is a nationwide enterprise and unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
Everyone from individuals, communities, organisations and schools are being encouraged to play their part to enhance the environment by planting trees during the official planting season, throughout the Jubilee year. With a focus on planting sustainably, the QGC also encourages the planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.
Carrying on from Vice Admiral Chris Gardner’s visit in January, where he planted the first of the China Fleet’s trees, the 100th tree planted by Admiral Burns will leave an inheritance for members of the Royal Navy and their families to enjoy.
“It is a privilege to have been asked to support the China Fleet Country Club in their impressive effort to plant 100 trees as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative,” said Vice Admiral Burns.
“The original club was opened in 1934 with funds raised by sailors, and the close connection with the Royal Navy has been maintained ever since, and continues today with the amazing facilities at Saltash, Cornwall. The Club is a committed member of the wider naval family, providing much needed sporting, leisure and respite facilities for regular, reservist and veteran Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RFA personnel and their families.
“But more than this, their environmental considerations are reflected in the local affiliation with HMS Tamar. She is a modern vessel fitted with a catalytic converter to reduce the emission of nitrous oxides by as much as 99%. This dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of one of our warships while remaining globally deployed and ready for operations on the far side of the world.
“The Royal Navy’s reputation of having a ‘Heart of Oak’ combined with the environmental contribution through planting sustainably will be represented in the enduring legacy of these 100 trees marking the Platinum Jubilee.”
Rear Admiral Mike Wood (China Fleet Trust Chairman) added:
“We are delighted to host this important visit by Vice Admiral Burns, The Fleet Commander, to the China Fleet Country Club. It provides us with an opportunity to bring him up to date with the facilities and environment which we provide to all RN, RM and RFA personnel and their families wherever they are based and live.
“His visit reinforces the high priority the most senior management of the Royal Navy places on the wellbeing of its people. At a time of continuing change, high operational tempo as well as the part to be played by the Navy delivering the UK’s reinvigorated global influence and reach, supporting serving personnel and their families in the manner they need has never been more important.”
“Through the Club we continue to strive to play our part in providing that support; we do this in partnership with other organisations and most significantly with the RNRMC, and we remain committed to tailoring our facilities and offering to match the needs of today’s people.”
