26 April 2012
Former The Really Wild Show presenter and environmentalist Chris Packham today rolled up his sleeves to help launch Lambeth park’s green makeover.
The Springwatch frontman planted the final birch tree to complete the revitalised Trees for Cities community orchard, which has been created with help from a £20,000 donation from Velvet. Chris had help planting the commemorative tree, with green fingered children from the reception class at St. Saviours Primary School, Lambeth, also getting stuck in.
Velvet, which produces ethically luxurious ranges of ‘soft, soft’, soft’ toilet tissue and facial tissues, ran a national search via its Facebook page to find the urban area in Britain most in need of green space, promising that the winning area would then be transformed into a green haven for the local community to enjoy.
London was the resounding winner and Velvet and Trees for Cities then worked together to identify a suitable location. The winner was Ruskin Park, which is a favourite with dog walkers, families and joggers. The grant has been used to create a fruit maze, outdoor classroom and wildflower meadow bank, as well as extending the orchard.
Tree planting charity Trees for Cities has run workshops with local residents, groups and schools to engage the community. The local community will work with the Friends of Ruskin Park group to maintain the green space so that the community can continue to enjoy it together.
This is the second year that tissue brand Velvet, which has a commitment to plant three trees for every one it uses in tissue production, has run the competition with charity Trees for Cities.
Nature lover Chris, 50, said: “I believe passionately in Velvet’s three trees promise, which is why I was happy to participate in the event at Ruskin Park. Velvet is a responsible brand which believes strongly in contributing to the environment, which is why it has my support.”
Traci Baxter from Velvet said: “It’s great to be part of such an important project. The orchard looks beautiful and will be something the local community can enjoy for years to come. Velvet supports various tree planting initiatives and we think it’s important we do our bit for the environment.”
Sharon Johnson, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities said: We are delighted to be working in partnership with Velvet on this fantastic community project. The revitalised community orchard will help improve the park’s biodiversity whilst encouraging the local community to play a more active part in their environment.’
Notes for editors
For more information please contact Vanessa Munnings or Andrea Grosbois.
01353 669939
Trees for Cities is an independent charity that inspires people to plant and love trees worldwide. Set up as Trees for London in 1993, Trees for Cities’ aim is to create social cohesion and beautify our cities through tree planting, community-led design, education and training initiatives in urban areas that need it most.
We manage projects across the UK and Ireland as well as internationally in cities such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, Ica and La Paz. Our work supports urban tree planting initiatives particularly in deprived areas of cities.
Community-led design is an integral part of our landscaping projects. Involving local residents, schools and community groups helps ensure the sustainability of green spaces.
Trees for Cities patrons include Jon Snow, Jamie Oliver, Neil Fox, Chris Collins, Alistair McGowan and Sir Richard Rogers.
Velvet
SCA is a global hygiene and paper company that develops and produces personal care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers and solid-wood products. Sales are conducted in some 100 countries. SCA has many well-known brands, including Velvet, Plenty, Cushelle, Bodyform and global brands TENA and Tork. Sales in 2010 amounted to SEK 107 billion (EUR 11.3 billion). SCA has approximately 45,000 employees. More information at www.sca.com
