Members of the Sikh community will plant over 550 trees in Coventry as part of a global initiative by Eco-Sikh to plant over 1 million trees around the planet to mark the 550th anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

A tree planting ceremony will take place next Thursday (14 March) at Longford Park, Foleshill, whilst observing the 9thannual Sikh Environment Day.

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor John Blundell, along with members of Coventry’s Inter-faith Group and Lady Godiva, Pru Porretta will plant four commemorative statement 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 Gurudwaras, to plant a further 100 saplings on the day.

Planned in conjunction with Coventry Council and the Park Service Rangers, the Sikh Union, along with The Friends of Longford Park, and a team of dedicated volunteers, will plant a variety of five native trees and shrubs in Coventry’s parks and green spaces, including Northern Red Oak, Acer, Hazel, Common Hawthorn and Crab Apple.

The primary site is at Longford Park (also known as Marconi Khalsa Wood) - where 300 trees were planted by staff working at Marconi Communications in 1999 as part of the Millennium Woods project, marking the tri-centenary of the initiation of the Khalsa – collective body of baptised Sikhs.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Linda Bigham said, "Coventry City Council are delighted to be supporting the Sikh Union’s initiative to plant of over 550 native trees and shrubs commemorating Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th anniversary.

‘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.’ Palvinder Singh Chana, Chairman, Sikh Union Coventry said, ‘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.

‘Future generations will benefit from the fruits of our labour, symbolising, peace, friendships and continuity for generations to come, with a firm belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose.

‘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.’ Kerry Bigham, Chairman of Friends of Longford Park said, ‘Our unique partnership between the Sikh Union and Coventry City Council Parks Department is growing from strength to strength.

‘With support from Eco-Sikh, Coventry Healthy Walkers and various local faith groups, this initiative will bring together volunteers, families and children culminating in a celebration of our wonderful green space.’ Sikhs across the world will be celebrating the 9th annual worldwide Sikh Vatavaran Diwasor Sikh Environment Day on March 14th.

This day also marks the start of the new year on the Nanakshahi Calendar, as well as, the inauguration of Guru Har Rai Ji, as the 7th Guru of the Sikh religion, who was revered for his love of the natural world, wildlife and compassion for animals.

To volunteer or to take part tree planting, or to make a donation visit www.sikhunion.org