We are the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. We get stuck in with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods – whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food.
Unequivocal evidence is mounting on the multiple benefits of urban trees and green spaces in relation to a range of health and wellbeing outcomes. Alongside supporting biodiverse habitats and the incalculable aesthetic, cultural and historical value they bestow on society, trees clean our air, mask noise, absorb greenhouse gases, provide shade and protection against the ‘urban heat island effect’, and mitigate flood risk. High quality ‘green infrastructure’ also creates places for city dwellers to escape to, to exercise in, to be with nature at and socialise – they are one of the most effective forms of prescription for a range of physical and mental health problems such as heart disease, obesity and depression.