New trees for Walton Green
About this project
Trees for Cities is working with London Borough of Croydon and local residents to plant new trees in Walton Green and nearby housing blocks on Castle Hill Avenue. The trees are intended to provide future shade, flooding reduction, visual interest and opportunities for community activities in the existing green spaces.
Why are we planting trees here?
The New Addington North ward in 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.
Local residents and groups have also helped us identify the main benefits that tree planting can bring to their area:
- Future shade and cooling
- Reducing localised flooding
- Adding colour and structure to the green spaces
- Improving physical and mental health
- Bringing the local community together
What planting are we planning?
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.
We are planting:
- 40 new standard trees, both ornamental and functional
- New woodland 'bubbles' with smaller trees and shrubs
- Climate-resilient tree species
- Spring bulbs
We have also listened to resident concerns about the planting, and are taking the following actions:
- Planting trees at a minimum of 7 metres from any housing blocks
- Choosing tree species that will only grow to an appropriate size for the space chosen
- Leaving open spaces for leisure activities and sports
- Keeping clear sight lines around the newly planted areas
New trees are most vulnerable soon after planting, so Trees for Cities are also committed to watering and caring for them for 3 years after planting, after which their care is handed over to Croydon Council.
How can I get involved?
If you are a local resident:
1. Join us and share the date! Our Community Planting Day is taking place on Saturday 28th November 2026, during National Tree Week. Join us to plant the new trees, no experience required. This will be a free, family-friendly event with refreshments and other entertainment on offer. Sign up using the form below.
If you are a school or community group:
1. Sign up to our free planting workshops on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th November.
2. Join us at our Community Planting Day on Saturday 28th November 2026, during National Tree Week. This will be a free, family-friendly event with refreshments and other entertainment on offer, but we can also offer dedicated sessions to local groups.
Email community@treesforcities.org to sign your group up.
Plant a tree with us!
As part of the project, we are pleased to be holding a Community Tree Planting Day!
- Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
- Time: 10am to 2pm
- Location: Walton Green, New Addington CR0 0TG
As well as planting trees together, we will offer creative activities for all ages to explore the trees in other ways. We will also provide hot drinks and a free community lunch.
Complete the form below to sign up to plant a tree in your local green space.
Accessibility
Our community planting day is free and open to everyone and is suitable for families. We will provide all the tools and equipment you will need as well as free lunch and refreshments.
Accessibility is very important to us, and we are working to make sure our events can welcome everyone. If you have any specific needs or questions around accessibility at this event please contact community@treesforcities.org.
First time planting a tree? Find out more from one volunteer's story.
Thank you for your feedback
Our community consultation has now closed.
Our teams conducted community engagement activities in August and September 2026 and received valuable feedback on the initial design.
Input from residents, park users, local stakeholders, and council staff/maintenance teams are being considered in parallel and will inform any amendments to the design.
Please get in touch with us at community@treesforcities.org with any questions or comments, or sign up to get involved!
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Urban trees have many benefits which create healthier and happier environments. But without urgent action to plant more trees in our current and future climate, cities and their residents will lose out. So let's get planting!
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