Lewisham Blossoms is set to transform residential areas in Deptford
67 trees will be planted in the Evelyn ward by the end of March on streets outside shops, homes as well as inside primary schools.
Lewisham Council is committed to increase tree cover in the borough as part of the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Lewisham Blossoms project contributes to this and to the delivery of the new five-year Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, which places a greater focus on increasing access to nature for residents and encouraging communities - including young people - to be more closely involved.
This planting is supported by the National Trust, and reflects the Trust’s ambitions to give more people, particularly those living in cities, improved access to nature. The tree plantings are part of the charity’s ambition to plant 20 million trees over the next decade, which it announced in January 2021. The National Trust’s connection to Evelyn ward goes back to its founder Octavia Hill, who campaigned locally for the provision of open space, leading to the founding of the National Trust.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said:
“It’s great to see these beautiful blossom trees planted for our residents in Deptford to enjoy. The past couple of years have shown us how important reconnecting with nature is and I would love to see Lewisham Blossoms right across the borough!”
Xanthe Mosley, Chair of Street Trees for Living said:
“Every single one of the 67 trees planted now will make a tangible difference to local residents in the future. Air quality is a serious problem in cities and these new trees will help improve this and bring nature much closer for many local families.”
Marie-Claire Denyer, Project Manager at Street Trees for Living said:
“Community involvement is integral to the successful establishment of our street trees. This involvement means that the trees are welcomed, looked after and provided with the opportunity to thrive. The trees not only have the ability to bring communities closer to nature but also to bring communities together.”
Cathy Newbery, Project Manager London Programme, National Trust said:
“We are delighted to be working with STfL, Lewisham Council and local residents to plant trees in a place that has a special link to the formation of the National Trust. Our founders recognised the importance of access to nature and greenery for people’s wellbeing which is at the forefront of our work in London today.”
David Almond, member of the Tenants Resident Association, Pepys Estate, Deptford said:
"Residents and visitors are so happy to see trees go into our green spaces and it is already bringing our 'covid fractured' community back together. The whole feel of the area has been lifted into a more natural environment and more people here are now realising the importance of trees.”