As an organisation committed to championing equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our work, we believe climate justice and social justice go hand in hand.

The most impactful climate solutions are shaped by people from all walks of life. That’s why this London Climate Action Week, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on the importance of whole-of-society action.

By encouraging members of underserved communities to join the fight against climate change and tree inequity, and removing barriers to participation where we can, we’re helping make sure all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to act.

Nature should be for everyone

People and planet are inextricably linked. Real progress depends on us addressing social inequality and climate change in tandem, and that’s one of the reasons why we’re working with the Sensory Trust to deliver the UK-wide Collective Climate Repair project.

We’re one of several environmental organisations working with community groups to show that action against climate change starts locally, and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Instead, it can be simple, practical, and — crucially — inclusive.

Last month, in partnership with Sensory Trust, we hosted two free guided tree walks in London’s Victoria Park to encourage blind and partially sighted people and people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss to connect with nature, join the climate conversation, and explore accessible ways to address climate change.

AD (audio description) and BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation were available during the respective tours, with assistance animals warmly welcomed.

Here’s what one attendee had to say about their experience:

And our work to champion inclusive climate action doesn’t stop there; as part of Kew Gardens’ Community Open Week, our Community Engagement team will be running a series of inclusive activities on Thursday 25th June. This event is geared towards people who prefer a calmer environment or typically face barriers to visiting the Gardens.

➡️ Find out more about our event at Kew's Community Open Week.

Climate change affects us all, but its impacts are not felt equally

Climate change affects us all, but its devastating consequences for the environment — among them record-breaking temperatures, flooding, and wildfires (to name but a few) — disproportionately affect the most underserved communities. 

People living in cities (almost 85% of the UK population) are hit more heavily too. This is in no small part due to the urban heat island effect, which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, and can result in the most densely populated areas being up to 8°C hotter than the surrounding countryside.

So what can be done? 

Plant. More. Trees. 

In the fight against climate change, trees aren’t always the loudest in the conversation. Yet research shows that, with the right care, trees are one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and powerful nature-based solutions we have. 

Trees filter the air we breathe (by removing carbon dioxide and catching harmful particulate matter), provide habitats for creatures great and small, prevent flooding, boost mental health, and offer moments of calm — and patches of shade — amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. 

But these benefits aren’t experienced equally everywhere, and many areas lack the greenery that helps communities stay healthy and resilient, which is why we're working to create neighbourhoods where nature is part of everyone’s daily life, not just that of a lucky few.

Bringing climate action to life in Hartlepool 

The coastal town of Hartlepool is home to our flagship tree equity project, and has one of the lowest Tree Equity Scores of any local authority area in England, meaning residents miss out on the many benefits trees provide. 

Since March 2025, we’ve been making it our mission to paint the town green and, equally importantly, help the local community understand why trees matter. Our ambition is to empower people to continue the work we facilitate long into the future, planting a green, leafy legacy for generations to come.

To date, the project has connected more than 1,300 local residents with nature through planting days, workshops, and community activities. Over 2,500 trees have already been planted across 5.92 hectares, with further planting plans in place for the next season as Hartlepool prepares to achieve recognition through the Tree Cities of the World scheme.   

The Tree Equity for Hartlepool project is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Linbury Trust, and is delivered in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, The Woodland Trust, Thirteen, Treeconomics, and Tees Community Forest. 

Our work in Hartlepool is just one example of how we’re striving to deliver tree equity, but we plant trees in towns and cities all over the UK, with the help of our fantastic volunteers.

Welcoming people from all walks of life 

Since 1993, we’ve planted over two million trees — but we couldn’t have done it on our own. 

In the last year alone, more than 2,000 incredible volunteers have come together to help us green towns and cities up and down the country. It’s a joy seeing so many smiling faces at our community planting events, particularly knowing that for many in attendance (over 75% in the last 12 months), it’s their first time putting trees in the ground. 

We’re proud to welcome people of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds to join our movement for urban trees and tree equity, and we’re always exploring new ways to do so. 

That’s why, in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and East London Mosque, we’re hosting a guided tree walk during London Climate Action Week with Bengali interpretation for the Mosque’s senior citizens. The event will focus on the role of trees in climate action and wellbeing, offering participants a chance to connect with nature in one of London’s most densely populated boroughs. By creating opportunities like this, we hope to ensure even more communities are represented in climate and nature conversations. Find out more about the event.