On 31 January 2024, a group of Gravis volunteers spent the day at Horsenden Hill, planting whips with Trees for Cities.
The charity, Trees for Cities, is currently working with the London Borough of Ealing council to create new areas of high value woodland and contribute to the council’s aim to increase canopy cover to 25% by 2030. The new trees will also support biodiversity, sequester CO2 and mitigate flood risk.
The project at Horsenden Hill
Horsenden Hill, located in North Greenford ward, is the largest single nature conservation site within the borough at 100 ha. The Locklear’s Wood section is on the footprint of a Victorian canal side tip and, until planting began last year, a large portion of the area was dominated by invasive, non-native Japanese knotweed.
Last year, the area was cleared and treated, and c. 3,000 whips planted. Tress for Cities is now endeavouring to plant an additional 3,000 whips.
Gravis’ group of volunteers spent the day planting more than 150 whips, learning about the charities conservation efforts and how they are future proofing the canopies of Britain, to ensure our trees and forests can survive the climate change challenges ahead.
Trees for Cities has been supported by Gravis since April 2023, alongside three other charities: Pollinating London Together, Surrey Docks Farm and Little Village. This support includes taking part in volunteer days, donations and sponsorship.
