Lambeth Council has planted more than 2,000 new trees across the borough over the past six months as part of its ambitious four-year plan to enhance urban greening and climate resilience.
The latest planting season, which ran from October to early April, saw trees added to streets, estates, parks, and schools. Nearly 1,400 street trees were installed, along with 207 on council estates, 350 in parks and open spaces—including 100 in Brockwell Park—and 70 at local schools.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said the borough is on track to meet its target of planting 5,000 trees by 2026. She credited local volunteers and the council’s Tree Guardian programme—now with over 100 members—for supporting the effort.
“This huge tree planting effort has been across Lambeth, and we have been concentrating on areas that had the fewest trees, which helps create local benefits such as reducing the flood risk and creating shade during hot weather,” she said.
More than 150 species were planted, making this winter’s programme the most diverse and successful to date, with almost 300 more trees added than last year.
With a dry spring under way, the council is now watering the new trees weekly and urging residents to lend a hand.
“This year we want our trees to enjoy the sunny weather as much as everyone else,” said Cllr Chowdhury. “So don’t be shy—get out there and help out local trees if we do another extended period of dry and sunny weather.”
