Street Trees for Living, Greentalk and Lewisham Council have joined forces to create a new project through the Mayor of London’s Grow Back Greener Fund.
Where
We have identified more than 150 vacant tree pit locations in Lewisham based on the Grow Back Greener funding criteria, focusing on areas of:
Low air quality
High flood risk; and
Low number of trees (canopy cover)
Our project aims to plant the trees where they will have maximum benefit for the residents of Lewisham.
Why Trees?
There are numerous benefits that come from trees. Here are just some of them:
Trees capture pollution particles in their leaves and bark.
Trees slow and capture rain slowing water flow and reducing loads on drains.
Trees provide shade, reducing surface temperatures.
Street trees also improve mental health, encourage walking, reduce road rage and speeding, reduce crime rates, increase neighbourhood vigilance, increase health recovery rates, increase work productivity, encourage biodiversity and wildlife, prevent illegal parking, and provide a barrier between car emissions and pedestrians.
Trees release phytoncides; essential oils that protect the trees form birds and parasites. When humans breathe in these phytoncides, they produce numerous benefits. These benefits help to support our immune system, nervous system, blood glucose levels, reduce inflammation and also help to enhance our mood by reducing cortisol levels.
And last but not least, trees look great!
Become a Tree Guardian
Tree Guardians are key to this whole project. Trees are most vulnerable during their first three years due to lack of water, and need support so that they can establish and thrive.
Being a Tree Guardian is a commitment, and we ask that you agree to look after a tree just by watering it.
Anyone who lives or works in Lewisham can get involved as long as they live or work within 50 metres of one of the vacant tree pits.
Residents that have expressed interest in becoming a Tree Guardian prior to 31 July 2023 - we will let you know in September 2023 if you have been successful. Please note that this date has now been extended from July 2023 to allow for additional resident consultation time to take place.
The trees will be planted from October - December 2023.
For those residents that have expressed an interest in becoming a Tree Guardian after 1 August 2023, we will let you know if we are able to plant a tree in future planting seasons. This will be dependent on additional funding for future projects.
To see full Terms and Conditions for the Grow Back Together project, click here.
