History and mission
Trees for Cities started life in 1993 as Trees for London when a group of young Londoners recognised the need for more trees in the capital. The founding vision, inspired by Jake Kempston who is still one of the charity's trustees today, was to establish a charity that would be highly practical and would work with local communities to get more trees planted and green those areas most in need of greening.
With Charity Commission approval, Trees for London was established with the following mission: "to advance the education of the public in the appreciation of trees and their amenity value, and in furtherance of this the planting and protection of trees everywhere, and in particular inner city areas". Initially money was raised through fundraising club nights as young Londoners danced through the night to raise funds for tree planting. The founding mission and ethos of the charity is as true today as it was in 1993.
In 2003, on our tenth anniversary, we changed our name to Trees for Cities, largely in response to requests for support and advice from cities around the world.
In addition to tree planting, the charity is now involved in a wide range of activities that include educational work with schools and community groups, vocational training in arboriculture and horticulture, re-landscaping the public realm, campaigning, and yes, we're still partying! Four of the charity's current trustees (Julian Blake, Jane Bruton, Jake Kempston and Belinda Winder), have been involved since the earliest days.
Sharon Johnson
Sharon Johnson
Chief Executive
Telephone: 020 7820 4424
Email: sharon@treesforcities.org
Joining date: 2000
About me: After leaving school I graduated and worked in the personnel and HR sector for a number of years, however, I have always had an interest in the environment, so in the early 1990s, after taking a year out to travel through Asia I returned to university and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies.
I have now worked in the voluntary sector for 14 years both in the UK and abroad undertaking various conservation projects including working for the Indonesian Forestry Commission in Borneo; the Royal Society of Nature Conservation in the Seychelles and as a warden for Birds Australia.
Returning to the UK in 2000, I joined Trees for Cities and after nine years as Development Director, responsible for the charity's fundraising, marketing and project development activities in London, regionally and internationally, I was appointed as Chief Executive.
I am delighted to lead the charity into its next stage of development, working with a committed and passionate staff team, Board of Trustees, Patrons and network of stakeholders and supporters, to ensure we continue to grow as a dynamic charity.
My favourite tree: Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus – A very attractive tree with a great shape and bright glossy leaves. Autumn sees a magical transformation to rich yellowy-orange colours. It is also my birth tree!
Trustees
Julian Blake, Jane Bruton, Jake Kempston, Graham Simmonds, Martin Simmonds and Belinda Winder
Patrons
Leslie Bacon, Melvin Benn, Dame Hilary Blume, Jeremy Coller, Sir John Egan, Neil Fox, Diarmuid Gavin, Leo Hambro, Richard Hammond, Simon Jenkins, Alistair McGowan, Jamie Oliver, Richard Rogers, Lord Sheppard of Didgemere, Jon Snow and Sophie Warre.
As part of our vision for the coming three years, Trees for Cities has introduced five strategic themes to complement our core work. To find out more, click here.
