1,000 trees for Furzedown

1000 Trees for Furzedown is a campaign launched in August 2019 in response to Wandsworth Council’s declaration, on 17th July 2019, of a climate emergency and a subsequent call for ideas for tackling that emergency locally. The declaration commits the Council to being carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050 and was passed unanimously, with cross-party support.

What does the campaign aim to achieve?

1000 trees for Furzedown proposes that Wandsworth council, in partnership with local residents, could take immediate and ambitious action by initiating a pilot scheme, in Furzedown Ward, to plant 1000 trees in the ward over the next year.

We hope the scheme will involve some or all of the following elements:

  • A local survey to identify public spaces and locations where trees could be planted by the Council, e.g. on streets, areas of public paving.
  • An appeal to all local schools, churches, businesses and organisations with suitable land/gardens etc available to contribute, by tree planting, to the target of planting 1000 new trees in Furzedown.
  • An appeal to all residents to do the same.
  • Partnership with locally environmentally active groups and a local taskforce created to help those without ability to plant own trees to do so.
  • Publicity for this scheme through local email groups, Brightside etc.

How can I get involved?

Join our active 1000 trees for Furzedown What’s App group by sending your phone number to carolineholden55@hotmail.com

Or Follow, Like, Share and Support us on:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/1000-Trees-for-Furzedown-102470717834512/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000TFF

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000trees4furzedown/

Why is it important to plant more trees?

The research shows that tree planting can make an effective contribution to reducing carbon loss. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/04/planting-billions-trees-best-tackle-climate-crisis-scientists-canopy-emissions

Billions more trees need to be planted across the world to replace those lost through destruction of the rainforests, deforestation, changing land use and tree diseases. Some countries have already made an enormous contribution to this effort. In 2016, in India 50m trees were planted in a single day and in 2019 Ethiopia planted 350m trees in one day.

There are many other reasons to support more trees being planted:

  • Improved air quality
  • Reduction in noise pollution
  • The general contribution they make to an area’s ‘look.’
  • Their positive impact on mental health and well-being
  • They are providers of shade
  • Their role as insect and bird habitats
  • Their contribution to reducing urban heating
  • The renewal and replacement of older, dying trees with newer trees and species suitable for streets and open spaces in which they are planted.

Can I get a free tree to plant in my garden?

The Mayor of London last year announced a scheme offering free trees for planting to Londoners, schools and community groups. There are plans to announce a similar scheme for 2019 in November…look for updates on this website:https://www.london.gov.uk/

Are there other schemes to supply trees to community groups, schools or other organisations who want to plant more trees?

There are a few other schemes but they do involve a degree of coordination and planning, with application forms to fill in. For example https://www.gov.uk/guidance/urban-tree-challenge-fund

Where can I find out more about what kinds of trees might be suitable for my garden and how best to plant and care for them? 

Which local nurseries and garden centres supply trees?



I want to plant a tree but can’t do this work myself. Can anyone help me?

Contact Caroline Holden E carolineholden55@hotmail.com M 07958060195

 And I will put you in touch with someone locally who can help.

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