Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth Council has planted over 2,000 trees across streets, schools, estates, and parks during the winter season to boost urban greening and biodiversity.
To aid in the trees’ establishment, the municipality is currently watering them once a week. In the event that it becomes extremely hot and dry in the upcoming months, residents are encouraged to monitor the young trees and provide them with additional water.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), said:
“Our teams are now out watering the new trees, but because it’s been so dry there’s an unusually high need this Spring.
This year we want our trees to enjoy the sunny weather as much as everyone else. So don’t be shy, get out there and help out local trees if we have another extended period of dry and sunny weather.”
The Lambeth Council is on track to achieve its goal of planting 5,000 new trees over the course of four years, by 2026.
Nearly 1,400 new street trees, 207 on council estates, 350 in parks and open spaces (including 100 in Brockwell Park), and 70 at nearby schools have all been planted this winter. Volunteers from the community helped with the planting program.
Over 150 different tree species were planted this winter throughout the October to early April season. Compared to last year’s winter planting program, the total number of trees planted this winter has increased by over 300.
By 2026, Lambeth wants to plant more than 5,000 additional trees, concentrating on low-canopy regions to improve climate resilience and biodiversity.
Like Lambeth, Southwark has witnessed a lot of tree planting activity; since 2016, more than 6,000 trees have been planted.
Increasing canopy cover from 17% to 20% is a key component of the council’s goal, which also includes community involvement through programs like the Tree Guardians network.
Trees are planted and maintained by locals, especially schoolchildren, encouraging community involvement and environmental awareness.
Cllr Chowdhury said:
“This huge tree planting effort has been across Lambeth, and we have been concentrating on areas that had the fewest trees which helps create local benefits such as reducing the flood risk and creating shade during hot weather.”
Additionally, over 100 locals have already joined the council’s Tree Guardian program. Residents may visit lambeth.gov.uk to learn more, including how they can get more engaged in the borough’s tree planting and care initiatives.
What are the benefits of increasing canopy cover in Lambeth?
By offering shade and producing cooling water vapor, trees help reduce the urban heat island effect, which in turn lowers energy consumption and the need for air conditioning.
Trees improve the quality of the air and make the surroundings healthier for locals by absorbing pollutants and lowering noise levels.
When it rains a lot, trees help control runoff, which lowers the chance of localized floods.
By storing carbon, trees aid in the fight against climate change.
Better Mental and Physical Health: Research has shown that spending time in green areas lowers the risk of developing diseases like dementia and ADHD while also improving general wellbeing.
By creating habitats for birds and other creatures, planting a variety of tree species helps the local wildlife.
Initiatives to plant trees encourage education and community involvement, which advances social cohesiveness and environmental awareness.
