This Spring, Ealing was recognised as one of the UK’s Tree Cities of the World, for its work in fostering world-class urban forest practices. Southall Park is a testament to these standards and was soaked in sunshine for the festival, bustling with a range of activities, workshops, and engagement stations.

We were happy to be joined by Virendra Sharma, Labour MP serving Ealing Southall, who came to show his support:

At the festival, we were joined by two other organisations that also work to improve our green spaces! One is National Park City (NPC), a group that recognised London as the world’s first National Park city, and connects people leading the change in championing green spaces.

Ealing Wildlife Group, who work hard to protect the borough’s local wildlife, also joined us and had their own stand at the event. At the festival, they shared the news they’ll be helping reintroduce beavers to Ealing after 400 years!

Accompanied by the upbeat sounds of the Carribe Steel Band, we had a range of activities:

• Nature-inspired painting workshops with Gail, using natural materials like leaves to shape art
• Writing workshops, with Felix Chee, London National Park City Ranger, taking influence from natural surroundings
• Forest bathing with our very own Hetty Fruer-Denham from Trees for Cities, where a group meditated amongst trees
• Storytelling with Bernadette Russell in the enchanting bell tent
• Tree spotting: journeying through Southall Park to identify trees
• Bee Guides Bombus and Borage left the Hive with their Bee Cart, performing and exploring all things Bees and Pollination
• Face painting with Aga: a big hit with the kids!
• Seed sowing: attendees went home with basil to-be and more to grow
• Tree-inspired yoga with Luisa: attendees were rooted and grounded by this calming session

Thank you to the many families and curious residents who joined us for a brilliant day! Being surrounded by trees and excitable humans brought the work that we do completely into focus: creating greener spaces to improve people's lives.

We hope we can do hold more fun festivals in the future!

With support from

Many thanks to Ealing Council for partnering with us to make the festival happen, along with everyone else who played a part.

This project is funded by the Trees Call to Action Fund in partnership with the Greater London Authority. The fund was developed by Defra in partnership with the Forestry Commission and is being delivered by the Heritage Fund. Salesforce also provided funding for this project.

Ealing Council have pledged to plant 50,000 more trees in the borough between now and 2025, and we could not support them more in this endeavour to make Ealing greener—and its people healthier.