As the first inner London borough to have over 100,000 trees, Southwark is setting a benchmark for urban greening.
The achievement was commemorated at a celebratory event held at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park on 26 November 2024, where a plaque was unveiled to honour the achievement. The event was attended by the Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Naima Ali, Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, and Southwark Council Leader, Kieron Williams.
The 100,000th tree signifies Southwark’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, borough. Over the past five years, Southwark Council has planted over 30,000 trees, surpassing its initial target of 10,000. This accomplishment highlights the council’s dedication to addressing the climate emergency, enhancing biodiversity, and improving air quality for residents.
In 2024 alone, the council planted 5,086 trees across the borough, including 1,250 mature trees and 3,836 young trees for hedges and copses. These efforts reflect Southwark’s proactive approach to increasing canopy cover, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting its natural environment.
With 139 distinct species planted, the council is ensuring that its tree population is diverse and resilient against future challenges such as climate change, extreme weather, and pests. Additionally, 28 fruit trees have been planted to establish two new orchards, contributing to the borough’s growing network of community green spaces.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: “Reaching the milestone of 100,000 trees in Southwark is a testament to our commitment to creating a greener borough for everyone. Trees are essential to tackling the climate emergency, improving air quality, and providing shade and biodiversity. This achievement is a proud moment for Southwark, and we will continue to lead the way in making our borough cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.”
Southwark’s vision is to maintain a healthy, protected, and sustainably managed treescape that contributes to the health and wellbeing of its residents. This includes proactive inspections, a 24-hour emergency tree care service, and extensive tree-planting initiatives in streets, parks, school grounds, and housing estates.
By working closely with schools, community groups, and third-sector partners, Southwark ensures that trees are not only preserved but celebrated as vital learning and community resources.
The council has also launched initiatives such as the £500,000 Biodiversity Fund and the Southwark Green Finance Initiative, which supports sustainable projects across the borough.
This achievement is part of a broader effort to address the climate emergency through:
- Creating over 1,800 green jobs since 2022, with a target of 2,000 by 2026.
- Establishing a Green Skills Hub at London South Bank University to prepare residents for careers in the green sector.
- Developing new parks, including one in Canada Water, designed in consultation with residents.