Annual Report 2025-26
This year, Trees for Cities launched Make Trees Matter! — our new strategy to grow a Movement for Urban Trees and Tree Equity by 2030.
We planted 58,021 trees in 19 UK towns and cities, engaged 25,310 people, and celebrated a landmark moment: planting our two millionth urban tree!
From greener playgrounds to community-led planting, our work continued to focus on the places where trees are needed most — helping create healthier, greener and more climate-resilient towns and cities.
I am proud of the progress we have made in the first year of implementing our strategy. We have strengthened our approach to precision urban forestry, directing planting where it is needed most and building deeper relationships with communities and local partners.
Kate Sheldon, Chief Executive
Our highlights
- 58,021 trees planted across 19 UK towns and cities
- 25,310 people engaged through our work
- 15,608 pupils supported through our school programmes
- 2,012,065 trees planted since Trees for Cities began
Planting where trees are needed most
Tree equity is at the heart of our work. By using data on canopy cover, health, income, heat and air pollution, we focus planting in communities with the fewest trees and greatest need. This year, that included our work through the multi-partner Tree Equity for Hartlepool project.
4,000+
trees planted in the first planting season in Hartlepool
Greener schools, healthier futures
7
playgrounds transformed for children to enjoy
We've transformed 7 school grounds into greener, healthier and more resilient places to learn and play, helping more children connect with nature every day. This year 1,094 staff members have benefited from our interventions in school and our programmes have supported 15,608 pupils.
Communities growing together
Thousands of people helped plant, establish and maintain urban trees this year, building skills, confidence and connection through urban nature — 88% of volunteers gaining new knowledge or skills.
93%
of volunteers met new people at planting events
Local action, lasting change
Through Trees for Streets, residents and local businesses continued to help green their local neighbourhoods by sponsoring new street and park trees. In Haringey, 168 backers raised £6,155 to unlock 20 new instant-impact trees for West Green Road.
Read the full report
These highlights are just part of the story. Read the full Annual Impact Report 2025–26 to discover where we worked, what we achieved, and how communities across the UK are helping make trees matter.