An Ashton primary school helped to plant a copse of trees at nearby Tameside Hospital to mark this year's Clean Air Day and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 

Pupils from The Heys Primary School and teaching assistant Louise Shepherd joined hospital staff last Thursday (17 June) at 11am to plant a cherry tree in the hospital grounds. 

Lyndsay Davison, head teacher at The Heys on Whiteacre Road, commented: "We are delighted to be involved with this year's National Clean Air Day and The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. At The Heys Primary School, we are passionate about the sustainability of our planet for future generations and are glad that we can play our small part in these worthwhile projects."

It's the first of 70 saplings that will be planted, which have been gifted to the hospital by The Woodland Trust. 

Clarence House, on behalf of the Prince of Wales, sent a message of support to the hospital. In it, the Private Secretary to Prince Charles says the Prince will be delighted to hear about the project and would have him send his “warmest wishes and every success for such a worthwhile endeavour.”

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Ashton-based hospital, say the trees will help to offset its carbon footprint once they are established. 

This is done by absorbing odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone) and filter harmful particles out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. 

It's also the first hospital in the country to sign up to support the Jubilee's 'tree-bilee' - as it has been dubbed by the Royal Family.

Paul Featherstone, Director of Estates and Facilities at the Trust, said: "Through our Save Planet Tameside and Glossop campaign, our vision is to embed sustainable development into the way we work and plan. That way we will reduce our own contribution to climate change, as well as adapting to the impacts it has across all of our sites and services to deliver a truly sustainable integrated healthcare service that is fit for the future." 

Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. 

Karen James, Chief Executive at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Poor air quality causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues.

"I am delighted that Clarence House has endorsed our tree planting programme, which recognises the importance of Clean Air Day and, that local schoolchildren were able to come along to help. Our hope, is that we will establish our copse ahead of the Platinum Jubilee next year with its emphasis on tree planting." 

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