Ada Salter, was the driving force behind the transformation of Bermondsey from industrial slum to green oasis. By 1930, 7,000 trees were planted on the new estates and the streets of the borough.
Ada Salter and the Beautification of Bermondsey
Sheffield’s tree protestors show stainless steel
This is the post I’ve been thinking about for months. Yep, the one about how they’re cutting down all the street trees in Sheffield. Until now I didn’t feel I could quite do it justice, but a few days ago I went to Sheffield to meet the campaigners and to see for myself what was... Continue Reading →
Winter-flowering Cherry – the Great Deceiver
This post was originally published in March 2018, towards the end of the harshest winter in London for years. You may have noticed – possibly with some alarm – the delicate, yet persistent blooms of the winter-flowering cherry which have been flowering for months now. The snow and ice of last week hasn’t been kind... Continue Reading →
Five of the Best London Boroughs for Street Trees
From Hibiscus in Shoreditch, Golden Rain Trees in Osterley, and Bottlebrush trees in Pimlico, London has unexpected and fascinating street trees. Our urban forest, often under appreciated, is extremely varied and, what grows where differs around the city. So, which are the most interesting boroughs for a discerning London street tree admirer to visit, and... Continue Reading →
The London Street Tree Publishing Event of the Year, Possibly
My book, ‘London’s Street Trees: A Field Guide to the Urban Forest’ will be published by Safe Haven Books at the end of May.
London’s Street Trees on the Map (well, most of them)
Some months ago I heard rumours about a London Street Tree map being prepared by the GLA at City Hall. Excitingly, that map is now live and has been for a couple of months. For those who haven’t yet poured over the fascinating insights into what trees can be found on London’s streets would be... Continue Reading →
The Greening of Kings Cross
“I can’t understand why anyone would want to buy a house on such an awful street.” These words, uttered by a passer-by 15 years ago, acted as a red rag to a bull for Wharfdale Road resident John Ashwell. A typically busy inner London street of multiple building styles and ages, Wharfdale Road connects York... Continue Reading →
London Tree Week 2016
How exciting - next week, Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June, is London Tree Week! I'm sure this fantastic initiative from the Mayor will prove to be a great success. There are a whole raft of activities organised by City Hall’s environment department to check out on the London Tree Week pages. Not to be outdone... Continue Reading →
There’s Norway to Confuse a Maple
There are lots of maples, but the most commonly planted street trees are The Norwegian or Norway (Acer platanoides) and the Sycamore (acer pseudoplatanus), both are handsome species and at first glance difficult to tell apart. They have a lot in common, they are similar sizes and have similar native distribution. The differences are subtle,... Continue Reading →
