MORE than 800 trees have been planted at a campsite to help protect the planet.

Cardiff and Vale Scouts has hosted a special tree planting ceremony at their Jubilee campsite, at St Brides-super-Ely, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (2022).

This is part of a UK-wide initiative – The Queen’s Green Canopy – which encourages people to “plant a tree for the jubilee”. The additions to the Jubilee campsite were planted by Scouts, in conjunction with The Woodland Trust and volunteers from Lloyds Bank.

Even Arthur Thomas – a 90-year-old-man who was District Commissioner for the Scouts in the late 1980s – helped.

Penarth Times: People of all ages got involved in the tree planting People of all ages got involved in the tree planting

Mr Thomas planted some of the original trees at the campsite, including one which he grew from an acorn which was presented to him while on a camping trip in Canada.

Area Commissioner for Cardiff and Vale Scouts, Julian Jordan, said “Our campsite has been mostly a green field for the past 65 years and we’re currently fundraising to develop the site so it can be enjoyed - not just by the Scouts - but other community groups and local schools.

“In total we’re hoping to raise £1million to achieve our big ambitions of creating a valuable activity space and scout hall in the countryside. As part of the redevelopment, we unfortunately had to carry out some woodland management which meant a small number of trees needed to be felled due to ash die back disease.

“To combat the loss of trees we’ve planted more than 800 saplings as a simple natural solution to climate change, cleaner air, a habitat for wildlife and enhancement of health and wellbeing.”

Penarth Times: The planting is part of the The Queen's Green Canopy initativeThe planting is part of the The Queen's Green Canopy initative

Along with benefitting the environment, the tree planting is part of a masterplan to redevelop the campsite.

Scout leader, Gareth Johns, said: “As a user of the site for more than 18 years it was great to take part in the tree planting and to see the improvement works taking shape which will safeguard the space in the countryside for future generations.”

The Scouts are raising funds for the campsite - people can donate here.