Trees for Cities
Trees for Cities is a UK charity which aims to plant urban trees and create greener cities.[1] Since 1993, the organisation has reported that 125,000 volunteers have planted over 1,200,000 urban trees in parks, streets, woodlands, schools, hospitals and housing estates. The charity also runs the Edible Playgrounds programme,[2] which aims to inspire school children to grow and eat healthy food.
Formation
1993
Create greener cities
UK, world
David J. Elliott
Board of Trustees
History[edit]
Trees for Cities was founded in 1993 by a group of four friends: Jake Kempston, Belinda Winder, Jane Bruton and Julian Blake. For the first five or so years, the charity raised funds through its well-known parties. The charity was initially called Trees for London[3] with the charitable objectives to "advance the education of the public in the appreciation of trees and their amenity value, and in furtherance of this the planting and protection of trees everywhere, and in particular inner city areas".[3] In 2003, the charity changed its name to Trees for Cities to reflect a growth in activities in cities across the UK and across the globe.
In 2009, Sharon Johnson replaced Graham Simmonds as Chief Executive. She was succeeded as Chief Executive by David J. Elliott in 2016.[4]
The charity has a history of unusual office locations. Originally based on HMS Belfast,[5] the charity now operates from Prince Consort Lodge, a Grade II listed building located in Kennington Park, Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth, England. It also has offices in Whitacre Mews, Kennington, London.
Fundraising[edit]
Trees for Cities has a number of high-profile patrons, including Jamie Oliver, Jon Snow and Richard Rogers. The charity was responsible for the Tree-athlon, a 5k annual fun run,[11] held in Leeds, Manchester and London. In Battersea Park on 18 September 2010, it set the world record for the largest ever barefoot race, with 278 participants completing a 100m grass circuit.[12] The charity sends out a monthly newsletter to its followers, titled Tree Times.
Projects[edit]
Trees for Cities has projects throughout Greater London, and has delivered projects in over 30 towns and cities across the UK. The charity's global reach has extended to Ica in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, Nairobi in Kenya and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.[13]