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Derrick Coyle R.V.M, Yeoman Ravenmaster with Professor David Bellamy OBE
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Trees and Ravens
 A tree is being planted in the London area for each of the six famous Tower of London ravens which according to legend, must remain at the Tower in order to safeguard the monarchy and the country. The Tower of London was this year's venue for the Green Apple Awards which recognise and reward environmental best practice. As a celebration of the day, Tree Appeal will be planting a broad-leaf tree for each of the winners - nearly 200 trees. In appreciation of the hospitality provided by the Tower of London, an additional six trees will be planted, dedicated to their world-famous ravens.
Tree Appeal was very honoured when the Green Organisation, who administer the awards, decided to become a Tree Appeal Partner. The Green Organisation is an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.
The Stern review and the recent media coverage of global warming point to the enormity of the global challenge we face. The doomsday message that we are on the brink of no return can make us feel inadequate to the point of believing that we can make no real difference. So an event like the Green Apple Awards which emphasises the positive work being done is a refreshing change.
"It is totally encouraging to see that companies and councils throughout the country are responding to our global environmental challenge" said Ken Whitley of Tree Appeal, "It is very important to acknowledge companies that go the extra mile in environmental best practice. This good news creates a positive belief that will act as a catalyst to encourage many more companies to follow their lead. We were all very impressed with the enthusiasm, pride and innovation that companies were deploying to minimise their companies' environmental footprints.
"We at Tree Appeal and The Green Organisation wanted to mark this day of hope by making an award of six trees to The Tower of London - a very symbolic and prestigious venue at which to give these green heroes their day in the spotlight.
"Our many global environmental problems have been and continue to be caused by collective abuse therefore the solution does lie in every company offering their customers environmentally sustainable products and services and we as consumers making the right ethical choices."
Tree Appeal will be planting a tree for each of the six ravens which by tradition have to be cared for within the Tower of London. It is not known when the ravens first came to the Tower of London but their presence is protected by legend. Traditionally, with birds of ill omen, it is their absence rather than their presence that is feared at the Tower of London - Legend has it that if the ravens leave, the Tower would fall and the Kingdom would fall, so it is said that Charles II decreed that there must always be at least six there – possibly this myth was a Victorian creation, more evidence of the building of the Tower of London’s dark image in the Victorian era .
An independent charity, the Tower of London and Historic Royal Palaces receives no funding from the Government or the Crown, so it depends on the support of visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors.
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Barclaycard and Mitie - Green Champions
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Bovis Lend Lease, Silver Award Winner
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Ricoh UK, two Silver Awards
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