Merton set to become even greener with 3,000 new trees for Queen’s Jubilee

One tree will be planted for every child born in Merton this year in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Merton council is participating in The Queen’s Green Canopy, a scheme that is inviting people and organisations from across the UK to plant a tree for the Jubilee.

In addition to the 3,000 trees planted for each child born in Merton, the council has secured 1,340 new trees from the Forestry Commission Urban Tree Challenge Fund, which will help make the borough even greener.  

These trees will be planted throughout Merton, with the first round of planting taking place in Morden Park on February 25, where 400 whips will be planted over two days.  

The Urban Tree Challenge Fund started last year and is part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund, supporting the planting of 44,000 large standard trees across the country between now and 2023. 

Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces Councillor Natasha Irons said: “I am delighted that we are supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy in the borough and will contribute to the creation of a green legacy in honour of The Queen’s historic platinum jubilee.  

“Our Tree for Every Child project is an ambitious tree-planting target, matched with our successful bid to the Urban Tree Challenge, means we will plant over 4,000 trees this year.

“Trees not only make our streets and open spaces even more beautiful and green, but they are also vital to making the air around us cleaner to breathe whilst improving health and wellbeing.” 

The council is currently developing a tree management strategy for council-owned trees.

To take part in the consultation, visit the Merton council website. The consultation runs until February 28, 2022.