Tabitha has always loved trees, but it was during a period of serious illness that she found a deeper appreciation, and in turn felt inspired to see more trees in her neighbourhood.
The Importance of Urban Nature
Everyone deserves access to the healing power of nature, regardless of where they live. Tabitha is based in the borough of Tower Hamlets, one of the most densely developed areas in the UK.
Fortunately, Tower Hamlets is home to many local parks, and the borough is dedicated to increasing their canopy cover to ensure all residents can experience the benefits of urban trees. Our parent charity, Trees for Cities, has been supporting this for many years – helping green areas that are in need of it most.
This work has also been supported by hundreds of Tower Hamlets residents sponsoring new trees in their streets and parks, a passionate greening community that Tabitha is now a part of. Her story is a perfect example of the importance of access to urban nature. She told us, “When I was dealing with a serious illness several years ago I used to spend a lot of time walking in the local park. There was one particular tree I used to go and visit every day. I feel like it helped me get through my treatment.”
Paying It Forward
Several years later, thankfully recovered, Tabitha decided to pay it forward and sponsor the planting of new street trees. As an active member of the Greening Brokesley Street community group, she saw this as a wonderful opportunity to give something back. The group had a small grant, which they used to put planters at the end of the road and work with Trees for Streets.
Of the whole process, she shared: “Working with Trees for Streets was very straightforward and I even got to choose what type of tree was planted.”
Tabitha is delighted to have a beautiful new street tree outside her home. “In terms of the benefits of planting the tree, I will benefit from having something beautiful outside my house, and the street as a whole will benefit from the beauty of the trees we’ve planted. It will benefit wildlife in terms of food and habitat, and it will contribute to carbon capture and the lowering of the temperature in the city, which is what trees do.”
Get Involved
If you’re keen to see more trees in your neighbourhood, you can find out if we work in your council by clicking here. Whether you’re an individual, a business or looking to start a crowdfunder – we’re here to support your greening ambitions.
Written by Anastasia
