On Saturday 24th October, residents of all ages rolled up their sleeves and grabbed a spade during the council’s annual Green Week.

Our first community planting day of the season followed a summer of extreme heat and drought: a reminder of why towns and cities need more trees, and people to care for them.

Trees where they're needed most

Tower Hamlets is one of London’s lowest tree equity boroughs. Many neighbourhoods have fewer trees and less access to the shade, wildlife habitat and protection from extreme weather they can provide. 

Supported by several funders, including the Bupa Foundation, the project brings the benefits of trees to communities that need them most.

Planting for a changing climate

Neighbours and families planted species carefully selected for a changing climate. Holm oak is particularly resilient to heat and drought, while black pine, common walnut and European hackberry can also withstand warmer, drier conditions. As they mature, these trees will provide much-needed shade, help screen nearby roads and create habitat for local wildlife.

The new trees join those planted with local residents since 2010. Nearby, Swedenborg Orchard on St George’s Estate, planted in 2013, remains a thriving green space cared for by local volunteers.

Growing a legacy of support for urban trees

The benefits of the day will continue to grow long after the trees are planted. As cities face rising temperatures, more extreme weather and increasing pressure on nature, creating climate-resilient neighbourhoods depends on people as much as trees. Encouragingly, volunteers left feeling inspired to be part of that change.

Bringing neighbours together

The day was also a chance to meet neighbours and make a shared space feel more like home. 93% met someone new — four people on average, and some as many as ten! After the event, 86% felt part of their local community, compared with 64% beforehand. Alongside their contribution to the park, volunteers left with new local connections.

Creativity was part of the day too. Residents were welcomed to decorate tree cages with colourful woven fabric sourced from repurposed materials — a nod to the East End's rich textile heritage. Volunteers were invited to add their own contributions, creating a collaborative artwork that reflected the spirit of the planting day itself: local people coming together to create something lasting and meaningful for their community.

Why this work matters

At Trees for Cities, we plant thousands of urban trees each year across the UK. Our work helps urban communities adapt to climate change, improve air quality and deliver benefits for both people and nature. 

With more than 84% of people in the UK living in towns and cities, access to cleaner, greener streets matters. The right trees, planted in the right places and cared for over time, help create healthier, happier and more resilient urban communities for generations to come.

Want to help your neighbourhood grow greener? Explore volunteering with Trees for Cities and find out about opportunities in your local area.