Why are we planting trees here? 

The New Addington area of Croydon is a priority area for tree planting - it has relatively low tree equity compared with other parts of London. While the residential spaces of Walton Green and Castle Hill Avenue already have large areas of grass verge and green space, they are mostly bare lawn without all the benefits that come from varied green spaces with tree cover. 

Our aim is to benefit local residents by providing a healthier environment for all: future shade, increased biodiversity, climate resilience and visual interest to the existing green spaces. 

What planting are we planning to do? 

We are planning to plant the trees in the central Walton Green open space and on roadside verges next to Walton Green and Castle Hill Avenue estate blocks. The 40 new standard trees (at least 1.8m tall, 8-12 years old) and 1000 woodland whips (0.5m tall, 1-2 years old) would sit alongside existing trees and start a new generation of tree cover for the area. 

Our suggestions for tree planting are: 

• to provide future shade and cooling in summer, especially near footpaths and play area
• to add ornamental trees that make the spaces more visually interesting all year round
• to create woodland 'bubbles' with smaller trees and shrubs
• to encourage healthier habitats for wildlife (and residents!)

We are taking care to still leave open spaces for leisure activities and sports, routes for adequate maintenance, and keep clear sight lines around the newly planted areas. 

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 Croydon 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 expected benefits, species selection and placement of the trees planned for Walton Green and surrounding housing blocks. 

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

Residents are also invited to our Community Pop-up on Friday 28th August 10.30am-12.30pm on Walton Green, CR0 0TG. This is an opportunity to speak in person with Trees for Cities staff and the Croydon Council Resident Involvement Team about the plans. Come along for a tree-themed chat! 

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