Scheme to plant 550 trees aims to unite Coventry on Sikh environment day

According to Coventry Observer  “AN AMBITIOUS scheme to plant 550 trees in Coventry aims to unite people of all faiths and none on the annual Sikh environment day.

Coventry’s Sikh community will help plant a variety of five native trees and shrubs in Coventry’s parks and green spaces.

It is part of a global initiative by Eco-Sikh to plant over one million trees around the planet to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak – the founder of Sikhism.

A tree planting ceremony will take place at 11am on Thursday, March 14, at Longford Park, Foleshill.

City figures including Lord Mayor Councillor John Blundell and Lady Godiva Pru Porretta will be in attendance.

Along with members of Coventry’s inter-faith group, they will plant four commemorative trees to mark the official launch of the initiative.

Students from Longford Park and Grange Hurst primary schools will also be in attendance, along with dignitaries from local churches, including Coventry Cathedral and St. Pauls Church, Mandhirs (Hindu temples) and Gurdwaras.

They will help plant a further 100 saplings on the day, organisers say.

The Sikh Union, along with The Friends of Longford Park, and a team of volunteers, will plant Northern Red Oak, Acer, Hazel, Common Hawthorn and Crab Apple trees across the city.

The deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Linda Bigham says: “Coventry City Council are delighted to be supporting the Sikh Union’s initiative.

“Local residents of all ages and cultures are invited to take part.

“It is heartening to see people working together in partnership to improve their local park’s environment for everyone, whilst enhancing the habitat for wildlife.”

Chairman of the city’s Sikh Union Palvinder Singh Chana says: “As Sikhs, our connection to the environment is an integral part of our faith and identity.

“Observing the 9th annual Sikh Environment Day, is a time for Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike to reflect upon our relationship with the environment.

“Through His teachings, our first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, explained that the world we humans create around ourselves is a reflection of our own inner state.”

Chairman of Friends of Longford Park Kerry Bigham says: “This initiative will bring together volunteers, families and children culminating in a celebration of our wonderful green space.”

Registration is at 10am at the car park in Longford Park; and rangers will provide a map to the woodland from the car park.

The tree planting ceremony starts at 11am.