A need for green

Trees for Cities has a longstanding relationship with Tower Hamlets Council and the borough’s residents. With some of the lowest tree canopy cover in all of London, Tower Hamlets is a key target area of ours. Whilst nearby areas have a tree canopy cover as low as 8%, this estate and neighbouring garden now benefits from a canopy cover of 19%, thanks to the 2,600 trees we've planted and established.

Nurturing future gardeners

We returned over the years, collaborating on more greening projects and providing workshops. Orchards and green spaces need ongoing maintenance, so training is an important aspect of our work with communities. This equips local people with the skillset and knowledge to help their trees thrive, such as developing tree planting techniques and establishment skills, maintenance and care, and also how to harvest the fruits of their labour!

This stewardship of the orchard has been the key to its long-term success, and as a result, has inspired another generation of gardeners.

Learning and growing together

Over a decade later, St George's Estate orchard (now known as Swedenborg Orchard) is barely recognisable. Through the care of dedicated volunteers, this communal space is now a flourishing garden that provides a peaceful escape from the hubbub of London life. As well as serving as a retreat, it's also used for social gatherings, from biweekly over 50s meets to food growing sessions to family activities - and so much more.

Thanks to our funders

Thank you to London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority, The Swedenborg Society, RSA, Salon Success, PaperRound, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Charities Advisory Trust, East End Homes, Evening Standard, and Garfield Homes for all of your involvement in helping plant these trees across St George's Estate and Swedenborg Square Orchard, which are still thriving over a decade later.