Chris Packham joined a Brixton-based environmental charity as it plants its two millionth urban tree on 12 March.
In a ceremonial event outside the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, Trees for Cities empowers people to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, targeting places where they have the greatest impact for people and nature.
The tree, a London Plane, is a species long associated with the capital’s Victorian streetscape and was planted on Exhibition Road by environmental campaigner Packham, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban and TV and radio presenter Qasa Alom.
Since 1993, the charity has worked to connect people to nature, enrich lives and create greener, liveable places for today and future generations.
The charity says progress is not just about numbers.
Access to trees and green space remains deeply unequal across the UK’s towns and cities, with disadvantaged communities often missing out on the benefits trees provide – from cleaner air and cooler streets to improved mental health.
Kate Sheldon, Trees for Cities CEO, said: “We’re here planting trees today but the purpose of doing that is to benefit future generations.”
Chris Packham CBE said planting more urban trees is “non-negotiable in the face of the climate and biodiversity crisis” and warned that trees only thrive when communities understand and welcome them.
Trees for Cities is calling on the public, businesses and people in positions of influence to champion tree equity and ensure every community benefits from greener, healthier neighbourhoods.
Featured image credit to Trees for Cities.
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