Trees for Climate Action launched in October 2022 and ran for three years across Bradford and Glasgow. The project brought people together across generations to take meaningful climate action through tree-related activities.

Delivered by Trees for Cities in partnership with the Field Studies Council and local organisations, the project engaged 33,567 people, exceeding its target by over 30%, and supported the planting of 32,287 trees in communities experiencing long‑standing under‑investment in green space.

Generations growing together

Beyond scale, the project demonstrated that depth of engagement matters.

Participants involved in longer‑term activities showed the strongest outcomes: 91% reported gaining new skills, significant increases were seen in confidence to plant and care for trees, and three‑quarters planned to take further action for urban trees after the project.

Intergenerational activities, particularly those involving teenagers and older adults, helped challenge negative perceptions between age groups, strengthen local connections, and build a shared sense of ownership over new green spaces.

The project also built lasting local capacity. Community groups continue to care for sites such as Cliffe Castle Orchard nearly two years on, while traineeships and youth panels provided tangible pathways into green careers for young people.

Learnings from the Trees for Climate Action project is now shaping Trees for Cities’ future regional work, prioritising sustained participation, community leadership, and long‑term impact over short‑term reach.

Trees for Climate Action is a project led by Trees for Cities in partnership with the Field Studies Council and The National Lottery Community Fund, which has generously awarded money raised by National Lottery players to Trees for Cities through its Bringing People Together programme.

Find out more about the programme on Field Studies Council's website, and register for free tree guides and training opportunities.