Eton Roots & Shoots Boys Plant Jane Goodall Tree at the College

Boys from Eton College Roots & Shoots and other student environmental and service societies gathered in October to plant the Jane Goodall Tree at Eton College in honour of Dr. Goodall’s 90th birthday this year, and to commemorate her historic visit to Eton in March 2023 and the establishment of Roots & Shoots at the College.

The tree planting was organised by Eton Roots & Shoots student founder Thomas and Co-Director of Environmental Education Kerri Hicks, and attended by Eton College Acting Head Master Paul Williams and other faculty and staff. Guided by Eton’s Grounds Department, the boys carefully planted the English Beech tree, chosen after Thomas contacted Dr Goodall to ask for her advice about what type of tree to plant. Dr Goodall replied that her favourite tree is an English Beech because she had happy memories of playing under one in her garden as a child.

The lovely tree is in a prominent position near playing fields where boys and visitors can enjoy it as it grows. It is marked by a plaque so everyone who sees it or sits under it knows it is the Jane Goodall Tree. A very brief and enjoyable video of the tree-planting event can be seen on Eton College’s LinkedIn.