Matthew was delighted to join local school children from Dollis and Etz Chaim Primary Schools in planting trees on the Mill Hill Park extension grounds.

Proposed by Barnet Council as a memorial to all those who have died as a result of the Covid pandemic, the occasion saw over 500 trees planted by the Mayor of Barnet, local residents, ‘Friends of’ groups from other parks in the Borough, the Sea Scouts and local Councillors.

The plantings contribute to Barnet Council’s applauded Trees policy which by 2023 will see over 4,500 trees planted in parks, open spaces and on the streets. This will have a terrific impact on reducing the effects of climate change, particularly if other councils follow Barnet’s lead.

Matthew said: “I am a big supporter of the planting and maintenance of trees. This initiative not only takes a step towards the mitigation of climate change but is a lasting memorial to those who have succumbed to the awful Coronavirus. As I planted the trees, I particularly remembered two such people.”