Why are we planting trees here? 

Tree planting in Tower Hamlets is a priority for Trees for Cities - it is classified as high risk on the Greater London Authority's climate risk map and is one of the lowest tree equity boroughs in London. Healthy and climate resilient green spaces are vital for local residents to thrive in their communities. 

Swedenborg Gardens is a park in Tower Hamlets between a school, a community centre and a housing estate. Our aim is to benefit local residents by providing future shade, species diversity, pollution mitigation and visual interest to paths and spaces in the park. 

Our suggestions for tree planting are:

• to increase planting and tree cover as pollution screening from the nearby roads
• to diversify the existing species so that they are more climate resilient
• to add ornamental trees to shade more of the open spaces. 

We are taking care not to affect the main open space used for sports and events, and keep clear sight lines through the park. 

The 20 new standard trees (at least 1.8m tall, 8-12 years old) and multiple hedging whips (0.5m tall, 1-2 years old) would sit alongside existing trees planted by Trees for Cities and local residents in 2018 and in 2010. 

New trees are most vulnerable soon after planting, so Trees for Cities are committed to watering and caring for them for 3 years after planting, after which their care is handed over to Tower Hamlets Council. 

Have your say

We are now running a community consultation to seek community feedback before plans are finalised. We would like to identify resident priorities and preferences around the species selection of the trees, benefits to park users, wildlife habitat creation, and other greening features planned for Swedenborg Gardens. 

Please see our proposed planting design below and share your thoughts by completing our survey.

You can also contact us via email at community@treesforcities.org .