Londoners are asked to help create a greener, healthier future for our city
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and the Mayor of London are calling on Londoners to join TCV’s I Dig Trees, which is a free community tree-planting programme and the largest of its kind in the UK.
This tree planting season, the Mayor is giving away an additional 70,000 free trees to Londoners. These trees will help mitigate the impacts of climate change, create habitats for wildlife, and enhance the beauty of London’s urban environment. Trees play a crucial role in increasing biodiversity by providing habitats for various species of birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Since 2016, the Mayor of London has funded the planting of more than 570,000 new trees, providing essential shade, boosting wellbeing, and enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change.
TCV and the Mayor of London team celebrated the addition of 70,000 extra trees available this tree planting season and the 100,000+ free trees already given to London communities through the successful I Dig Trees programme. This milestone was marked by the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, who joined TCV volunteers and staff at the Railway Fields Nature Reserve in Haringey to plant a tree.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said:
“Trees are essential for tackling the climate crisis, improving air quality, and creating habitats for wildlife. I’m delighted that the Mayor and TCV have partnered to donate 70,000 free trees to London communities, schools, and faith groups, helping to ensure all Londoners can benefit from being close to nature. I encourage everyone to take part in this fantastic initiative and plant trees to make your local area greener, healthier, and more resilient for everyone.”
Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport at Haringey Council, and Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, were among the special guests who attended the event. Their presence underscores the importance of this collective partnership in making London a greener, healthier city.
Rebecca Kennelly MBE, Chief Executive of The Conservation Volunteers, also in attendance, expressed her enthusiasm:
“The TCV I Dig Trees programme is a testament to the power of community action. With over 8,000 sites planted and nearly 8,000 community groups involved, we are creating vibrant green spaces that benefit both people and wildlife. We are thrilled to continue this journey, growing stronger with the ongoing support of the Mayor of London.”
London community groups are encouraged to claim their free tree pack from TCV and get involved in this vital initiative before supplies run out. Tree planting season in the UK typically occurs during the colder months, up until March, when trees are not actively growing.
Free trees are available to community and faith groups, residents’ associations, and schools, with 600 trees also set aside for individual Londoners. Whether you represent a community group or are a resident looking to plant in your local area, there’s a tree for you.
For individuals, thanks to additional funding from the Mayor of London, we are giving away 600 free, native UK-grown trees from eight TCV sites across London. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve habitats for London wildlife. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please claim yours early to avoid disappointment.
You can pick up your free tree from today at the following TCV sites:
- TCV Dulwich Upper Wood (SE19 1SS)
- TCV Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park (SE10 0QZ)
- TCV Lavender Pond (SE16 5DZ)
- TCV Meridian One (N18 2DX)
- TCV Railway Fields (N4 1ES)
- TCV Stave Hill Ecology Park (SE16 6AX)
- TCV The Paddock (N17 9BS)
- TCV The Stables, Lloyd Park (E17 5JW)
Note: We recommend contacting these sites in advance to confirm tree availability and their opening times.
Your free tree is perfect for planting in your garden if you have space. To help them thrive, please visit our detailed guidance on planting and aftercare: https://www.tcv.org.uk/i-dig-trees-free-trees/#tree-planting
If you’d like to find out more about the phenomenally successful I Dig Trees programme, including how many trees have been planted to date and whether there are any in your area, please visit: https://www.tcv.org.uk/i-dig-trees-free-trees/i-dig-trees-reporting/
Keep up to date with the latest news and activities from The Conservation Volunteers by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram. You can also sign up to receive TCV’s Greenzine newsletter for more ways to get involved.