Trees planted by believe housing for Queen’s jubilee

Believe housing has planted two special trees to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s platinum jubilee – supporting a veterans’ charity and the environment at the same time.

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of the County Durham-based housing association, was joined by Board Members Judith Common and David Clouston to plant a tree at Stanhope, in Weardale, recently.

A tree was also planted on Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland.

The oak and willow are part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project which encourages individuals and organisations to plant trees to create a legacy in honour of the Queen’s 70-year leadership of the nation.

Commemorative plaques installed at both sites were supplied by Royal British Legion Industries’ social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, which employs disadvantaged and disabled veterans.

Mr Fullen said: “At believe housing, we’re always looking for ways to support the environment and to enhance neighbourhoods.

“So, it made perfect sense for us to plant native trees which will help to capture carbon, increase biodiversity, and enhance both places as they grow, whilst also commemorating the historic occasion of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

“We were also delighted to support the RBLI charity by buying commemorative plaques made at its factory, which provides stable employment for veterans.”

Judith Common, Board Chair at believe housing, said: “These trees are symbolic of believe housing’s proactive approach to the green agenda and to creating a legacy for communities.

“These trees are new lives, so contributing to the Queen’s Green Canopy not only gives communities a chance to recognise our history but it is also about future generations and new opportunities.”

David Clouston, a retired Army officer and Board Member at believe housing, said: “By supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy, believe housing is also supporting the environment and a sustainable future, and the Royal British Legion which looks after veterans for the long-term.

“The new life of these trees, and enhancing green space, can also help to support people’s mental health which is so important.”

Mr Clouston served with the Royal Logistic Corps for 33 years, has been a member of the Royal British Legion since he was 18 years old and is president of the Royal Pioneer Corps Association.

He added: “The Royal British Legion is about supporting veterans and families wherever they may be, whatever their needs.

“The wraparound for servicepeople whilst they are serving is good, the chain of command is about helping people. But sometimes, when they leave, they feel vulnerable.

“Organisations like the Royal British Legion can offer vital support and a bit of focus, and every contribution towards that cause, like buying these plaques, helps.”