Residents help choose locations for over 500 new trees across local neighbourhoods

Kingston Council officer planting one of the new trees as part of the Winter Tree planting programme.
Kingston Council officer planting one of the new trees as part of the Winter Tree planting programme.

More than 500 trees are being planted across the borough this winter - including over 150 taking root in locations nominated by Kingston residents.

Many Kingston residents are proud of being one of the leafiest boroughs in London.  As part of its commitment to protecting biodiversity and improving the natural environment, Kingston Council asked residents to suggest where new trees should be planted in their neighbourhoods. 

Over 150 people responded to the Winter Tree Planting Survey and every request for a new sapling has been fulfilled. With help from residents, council officers are planting crab apple trees (Malus Evereste), native English oak trees (Quercus robur) and a variety of other species. 

Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Sustainable Transport said:

Kington is committed to tackling climate change and mitigating its impacts. Tree planting is just one of the ways that we can improve the environment and help make Kingston a greener borough.

 

Thank you to all our residents who took the time to tell us where they would like to see young trees planted this season.

Kingston Council will also be offering community groups and residents fifty native Queen Elizabeth field maple trees (Acer campestre Queen Elizabeth) to plant in their local public open spaces, in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project, with over a million trees being planted across the country to create a living legacy to the late Queen. 

How to reserve your tree for the Queen’s Green Canopy:
You can reserve your tree by emailing greenspacesteam@kingston.gov.uk. 

Please include:

  • Your name/name of group 
  • A map/address with where you would like the tree(s) to be planted.You can request one tree or several trees. All locations must be within grassed areas.
  • If you would like a specific date for the tree to be planted. Weekdays 8:30am to 3pm only. 

The deadline for requests is Friday 3 February.  
Kingston Council’s Green Spaces team will be coordinating the distribution of these trees and will advise you whether we are able to fulfil your request. All requests will be on a first come first serve basis. 

Each planting can be commemorated by marking it on the map on the Queen’s Green Canopy website. 

Published: 17th January 2023