London is embarking on an ambitious 25-year project to create a 200km ‘Tree Ring’ around its outskirts, reconnecting fragmented green areas and inviting communities to plant and nurture trees that restore habitats and cool the city.
- 200km green corridor to safeguard and link London's greenbelt
- Community groups, schools, and landowners invited to plant and care for trees
- Focus on biodiversity recovery and urban cooling amid climate concerns
What happened
CPRE London has officially launched the London Tree Ring project, aiming to create a continuous 200km green corridor around the city's outer edges. This initiative, described as an ‘M25 for nature,’ plans to safeguard greenbelt land, enhance biodiversity, and restore species that have nearly vanished from the area.
Since 2023, the project has piloted restoration efforts including planting 1,500 disease-resistant elm trees in southwest London to revive habitats for rare butterflies and establishing a dense Miyawaki-style microforest with local schools and tree wardens in Sutton. It now invites wider community involvement to expand these efforts over the next 25 years.
Why it feels good
At its heart, the Tree Ring emphasizes community ownership, offering people the chance to connect with their local environment by watching trees grow from seedling to maturity. This involvement fosters a deep sense of stewardship, helping participants feel part of a lasting legacy that benefits both nature and people.
The project tackles pressing challenges like urban heat and habitat loss, planting trees chosen for their resilience to drought and ability to provide shade. These environmental benefits combine with social ones, as green spaces improve mental wellbeing, create community orchards, and encourage outdoor education, making the city a cooler, healthier place to live.
What to enjoy or watch next
The Tree Ring project is poised to grow into a broader city-wide movement, with CPRE London collaborating with partners such as the Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust. This network will inspire many more local groups and volunteers to restore London's green edges and share lessons nationally.
For those interested, the launch event on October 15 can be attended online, and future opportunities will arise to get involved in tree planting and caring for local green spaces. Watching these efforts flourish over the next decades promises a greener London and a hopeful model for other cities.