We’re delighted to welcome Tower Hamlets Council to the Trees for Streets platform.
And as street trees provide clean air by acting like natural filters, it’s fitting that we launch the Tower Hamlets scheme on Clean Air Day!
As one of the first UK councils to join our scheme, our partnership with Tower Hamlets aims to plant thousands of trees in streets across the area through sponsorship by local residents. While the borough has several award-winning parks, there is scope for more
“Many of our parks and open spaces have held Green Flag status for several years, so they are among the best green spaces in the country. As part of our pledge to make Tower Hamlets cleaner and greener, we have planted over 740 street trees, and are on track to plant hundreds more by early 2022. With the introduction of the Trees for Streets project, we will continue to green our streets and improve our air quality, ensuring everyone can enjoy our neighbourhoods.”
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets
It’s easy to get involved – simply fill in a few details about where you’d like your sponsored tree to be planted, and your request will be sent to the council. The will then assesses the chosen location, and if it is suitable, arrangements will be made to plant a tree the following winter: the best time to plant young trees to ensure they grow and thrive.
Why are street trees important?
Our urban trees are pretty amazing and the appetite for easily accessible local green space continues to increase.
Street trees do a lot for us:
• capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
• improve our health and wellbeing – both physically and mentally
• absorb air pollution
• improve air quality by acting like natural filters
• protect us from flooding
• create shading and cooling – so important in towns and cities
• make the neighbourhoods where we live that bit nicer
“Street trees make a real difference to our residential neighbourhoods and are vital to cleaner air. We are pleased to be working with Trees for Streets to raise additional funds through tree sponsorship as this will boost our tree planting efforts and encourage the local community to get involved.”
Cllr Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public RealM – Tower Hamlets Council
Beyond donating money to sponsor a tree, there are lots of other ways for people to get involved.
Once each street tree is planted, it will need watering every week throughout the summer for 3 years to give it the best chance of survival, and any litter or weeds will need removing too, to make sure it thrives.
By donating their time (and water) to care for street trees, people will be contributing to a legacy for their community. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with neighbours, and enjoy the fresh air these trees provide.
