Marylebone and Fitzrovia – Over 1,000 new trees now added to neighbourhood

It has been another very good year for street tree planting for Marylebone and Fitzrovia. We are delighted to have worked with Westminster to reach this target to complete the area’s green grid. Since 2009, the project has planted 1,012 trees on our central London streets.

We were delighted to have Alan Titchmarsh, celebrity broadcaster and gardening expert, plant our 1000th street tree. The event was very special in that Alan helped us very early on in our project to return Elm trees to Bolsover street in 2011. He then motivated us to continue our quest to green our neighbourhood as much as possible. And here we are, over a decade later, with over a thousand new trees in the ground.

We were delighted to have Alan Titchmarsh, celebrity broadcaster and gardening expert, join us to plant our 1,000th tree

In a well-attended ceremony, we heard from Peter Ruback CBE, chair of the Westminster Tree Trust and the Lord Mayor, Cllr Hamza Taouzzale. Some interesting tree facts were given by Cllr Karen Scarborough and then by celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh MBE.

Over one thousand trees have now been planted across our neighbourhoods since 2009. This effort was also to support the All London Green Grid, Marylebone’s Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN), Fitzrovia Forest and Oxford Street District projects. A significant number of ornamental chanticleer pear trees, along with 25 other species* have been planted over the last decade. We remain interested to see how additional trees might be delivered as part of future public realm projects in our locality.

Our planting events have included plenty of useful pedagogical opportunities for local schoolchildren

Green streetscapes are proven to reduce anti-social behaviour and the impact of harmful traffic pollution, they encourage walking and have a recognised positive impact on people’s mood. They also increase the sense of neighbourhood collaboration in taking care of the health of the trees and the local environment. Trees also provide a visually calming element in a traffic blighted urban environment. The planting events included plenty of useful pedagogical opportunities for local schoolchildren. Our ambition is to make our neighbourhood one of the ‘greenest’ in the city and for our trees to trigger further initiatives to improve our environment.

In a well-attended ceremony, we heard from Peter Ruback CBE, chair of the Westminster Tree Trust and Lord Mayor, Cllr Hamza Taouzzale. Some interesting tree facts were given by Cllr Karen Scarborough and then by celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh MBE.

A portion of the 1,000 trees planted so far includes those sponsored by The Portman and Howard de Walden Estates as part of projects for Baker Street and Wigmore Street. The W1W Tree Planting Initiative (Westminster Tree Trust) will have contributed over £20,000 towards the cost of the trees planted in the last two seasons. Over the last decade, over £80,000 has been raised from local stakeholders and residents who are keen to see greener local streets.* The Portman Estate recently put forward a project for further tree sites in West Marylebone. Howard de Walden was also reviewing greening opportunities on their estate.

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  marylebone and fitzrovia 1000th tree planting

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  Opening address for Marylebone 1000th Tree

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  St Vincents Primary School tree planting

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  Micheal Bolt (Chair) & Julie Redmond of the Marylebone Association at 1000th tree planting

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  St Vincents Primary School tree planting

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  Yael Saunders, Chair of the Marylebone Forum & Lord Mayor, Cllr Hamza Taouzzale at 1000th tree planting

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  St Vincents Primary School tree planting

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  Marylebone 1000th Tree

We remain grateful for all efforts made by Westminster to make this great result possible. Many thanks also to The Portman Estate, Howard de Walden Estate and Ridgeford Properties for sponsoring our splendid Ginkgo biloba 1,000th tree.

The planting of our 1000th tree took place on Blanford Street, Marylebone on the 29th of June

• The new trees planted in our neighbourhood include the following: Pyrus chanticleer, Amelanchier arborea ‘Robin Hill’, Koelreuteria paniculata, Betula utilis jacquemontii, Betula keniaca, Betula ermanii, Prunus accolade, Prunus hillieri ‘Spire’, Ulmus ‘New horizon’, Gingko biloba, Platanus x hispanica, Betula nigra, Celtis australis, Prunus shimidsu sakura, Liquidamabar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’, Liriodendron tulipifera, Prunus ‘Sunset boulevard’, Magnolia Kobus, Olea europaea, Betula pendulala

• The Initiative has benefited from support from all sides of the community.  We are especially grateful for the generosity of The Princess Grace Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic, The Portland Hospital, Groundwork London (Forestry Commission), The Howard de Walden Estate, The Portland Estate, Ridgeford Properties and The Langham London.  The Weymouth Street phase was also made possible by a generous contribution from Groundwork London through the Forestry Commission’s London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme and Big Tree Plant.  Furthermore, the Initiative was included in the local charity programmes of Sainsbury’s (Great Portland Street) and Waitrose (Marylebone High Street).  The Initiative is especially grateful for the support of Westminster City Council without whom little progress would have been possible.

Over 800 trees now planted in Marylebone and Fitzrovia Street Tree project

The W1W Tree Planting Initiative (Westminster Tree Trust) has supported the greening of our neighbourhood since 2009.  And over the last few years we advocated for even more trees to be planted here in the context of the Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood, Fitzrovia Forest and Oxford Street District projects. We have been delighted with Westminster’s continued progress to add further trees to our neighbourhood.

The project’s 600th tree for Fitzrovia and Marylebone was planted in 2013

The 2018-9 planting season has gone very well with an additional 63 and 49 trees being planted in Marylebone and Fitzrovia respectively.  These numbers include trees sponsored by the Portman Estate and Howard de Walden Estate as part of projects on Baker Street and Wigmore Street.  The W1W Tree Planting Initiative (Westminster Tree Trust) also financially supported the cost of this year’s new trees.  Over 800 trees have now been planted across the two neighbourhoods.

This local project planted its 600th tree in May 2013 and won two Forestry Commission / GLA Re: Leaf Awards later that year.  As part of London Tree Week, Marylebone locals celebrated the addition of this tree with the Minister of State for Environment, David Heath MP.   He planted the tree, a very distinct liquid amber, with the help of children from All Souls and St Vincent’s primary schools.

The inner-city initiative aimed to reduce the impact of heavy traffic and make the streets a more pleasant environment for all. Local contributions are now well in excess of £80,000 pounds with match funding from the Westminster Tree Trust, Westminster City Council with an additional £10,000 support from the Big Tree Plant campaign.   The project benefited from considerable support from Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council. The Initiative was also recognised today with two Re: Leaf awards at London’s City Hall. It was a wonderful day in our campaign for a greener Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

For the project’s latest updates please [click here].

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Tree Planting Initiative for Marylebone – Project Overview

Orginally published in 2013, certain sections were updated to reflect additional plantings

The objective of the W1W Tree Planting Initiative is to line the main streets of Marylebone and Fitzrovia with trees. The initiative has proven extremely successful thanks to a strong partnership between the local community – residents and businesses, Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council.   The project planted its first 40 trees on Hallam Street in 2009.  It has since grown with 12 subsequent phases to include a further 34 streets in East and West Marylebone with an aim to add at least 500 trees to the neighbourhood by 2012.   By Spring 2017,  over 650 trees have been planted on our central London streets.

We are delighted to announce that we have surpassed our original goal of planting 500 new trees in Marylebone.  The support and financial contributions we received from all sides to reach our goal have been nothing short of phenomenal.  The funding for the trees was made possible through a match funding scheme with community donations being matched by Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council.  So far over £80,000 has been donated by the local community.

Barbara Windsor and Queen College Preparatory School plant the last new tree planting. on Weymouth St

In June 2011, inspired by the forest of trees being planted on the eastern side of Marylebone High Street, a group of locals decided to form the West Marylebone Tree Initiative which would encourage tree planting to the west of the High Street.  A major effort was also launched in September 2011 to plant trees on ten East Marylebone and Fitzrovia streets in the 2011-12 planting season.

John Simpson of the BBC and St Vincents School’s Green Team plant our 500th Tree

We have enjoyed a number of community celebrations to mark our progress.  Matthew Wright of Channel 5 TV and the BBC planted the last of 40 our trees on Hallam Street in June 2009.  In November 2010, Barbara Windsor, actress and Marylebone local, planted the last of 53 new pear trees in Weymouth Street.   In April 2011, Alan Titchmarsh, celebrity broadcaster and gardening expert, planted an elm tree to mark the arrival of 48 new trees in Bolsover Street.  And in July 2011, Professor Lord Winston, the eminent scientist and fertility expert, planted the last of 49 chanticleer pear trees on New Cavendish Street.  John Simpson, the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, planted our 500^th tree outside Broadcasting House on 17 May 2012.   Forestry Minister David Heath MP planted our 600th tree near Oxford Street almost a year later in May 2013.

Alan Titchmarsh helps elm trees arrive on Bolsover Street

The Initiative has benefitted from support from all sides of the community.  We are especially grateful for the generosity of The Princess Grace Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic, The Portland Hospital, Groundwork London (Forestry Commission), The Howard de Walden Estate, The Portland Estate, Ridgeford Properties and The Langham London.  The Weymouth Street phase was also made possible by a generous contribution from Groundwork London through the Forestry Commission’s London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme and Big Tree Plant.  Furthermore, the Initiative was included in the local charity programmes of Sainsbury’s (Great Portland Street) and Waitrose (Marylebone High Street).  The Initiative is especially grateful for the support of Westminster City Council without whom little progress would have been possible.

Motivation for the Initiative is varied and includes the following:

• improve the quality of life for those living and working in Marylebone
• provide a visually calming element to an increasingly busy and congested urban environment
• make the area one of the ‘greenest’ in Westminster
• encourage walking through our neighbourhood by creating new green pedestrian corridors
• improve the attractiveness and uniqueness of the area

The arrival of these new trees for Eastern Marylebone marks the first extensive return of trees to the area since these streets were first laid out in the mid 1700’s.  We are also grateful for the enthusiastic support we have received from the members of the Marylebone Association at the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; assisted by Tim Rollinson, Director General, Forestry Commission; Alisdair Douglas, Chair of the Board, The Tree Council; Mark Field MP, Cities of London & Westminster; and Julian Maslinski, Chairman, Westminster Tree Trust plant the first new trees on Great Portland Street in November 2009

Our November 2009 ceremonial planting on Great Portland Street coincided with the launch of the UK’s 35th National Tree Week.  To mark the occasion, a celebratory tree was planted on the street by The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; assisted by Tim Rollinson, Director General, Forestry Commission;  Alisdair Douglas, Chair of the Board, The Tree Council; Mark Field MP, Cities of London & Westminster; and Julian Maslinski, Chairman, Westminster Tree Trust.

The Initiative has been active to see trees arrive on the following Marylebone and Fitzrovia streets:

Devonshire Street	pears	52	2011
Carburton Street	birch	14	2012
Great Titchfield Street	birch	23	2012
Great Titchfield Street	elm	7	2012
Clipstone Street	birch	12	2012
Cleveland Street	birch	3	2012
Bolsover Street	birch	43	2011
New Cavendish Street	pear	48	2011
Beamont Street	Amelanchier	14	2012
Westmoreland Street	Amelanchier	12	2012
Great Portland Street	pear	27	2011
Weymouth Street	pear	54	2010
Riding House Street	pear	3	2012
Berners Street	birch	32	2012
Eastcastle Street	pear	16	2013
Langham Street	pear	10	2012-3
Gildea Street	pear	4	2012
Hallam Street	pear	43	2009
Duchess Street	pear	10	2012
Mansfield Street	elm	4	2012
Chandos Place	birch	4	2012
Queen Anne Street	birch	14	2012
Welbeck Street	pear	10	2012
Newman Street	tbc	0
Wigmore Street	pear	5	2012
York Street	birch	6	2013
Gloucester Place	pear	10	2012
Crawford Street	olive	19	2012
Crawford Street	birch	19	2012
Seymour Place	gingko	33	2012
George Street	elm	28	2013 (WCC)
Brown Street	Amelanchier	12	2013 (WCC)
Nutford Place	Amelanchier	4	2013 (WCC)
Nutford Place	pear	4	2013 (WCC)
Old Quebec Street	Koeruteria	1	2013 (WCC)
Seymour Street	elm	11	2013 (WCC)
Bryanston Street	elm	5	2013 (WCC)
Dorset Street	birch	5	2013 (WCC)
Marylebone Street	Amelanchier	15	2014 (WCC)
Dorset Street	B jaquemontii	2	2014 (WCC)
Nottingham Street	B kenaica	15	2014 (WCC)
Wheatley Street	P Accolade	2	2014 (WCC)
Luxborough Street	Pear	12	2015 (WCC)
	Total	667

[WCC:  Westminster City Council sponsored]

Considerable efforts has been made to extend the benefit of the tree lines into the streets of West Marylebone, East Marylebone and Fitzrovia.  This effort was underpinned by the Fitzrovia and East Marylebone Forest concept document published by ARUP.  The document seeks to identify a number of townscape and public realm interventions and to encourage local residents, businesses and organizations to support the implementation of these interventions.  We are most grateful for all the effort put into creating this advocacy document to improve our neighbourhood.

The trees on Hallam Street were some of the  first added by the Initiative (2009)

Finally, we would like to personally thank every volunteer who supported our activities and helped us collect contributions for our trees during the many phases of the Initiative.  Without your help we would not have been able to deliver these wonderful results.

All tree planting is subject to local authority survey and consent.

Fitzrovia Forest’s Future Steps

It’s been a busy 2012-13 season for planting in Fitzrovia and East Marylebone despite delays caused by the late release of subterranean infrastructure data.  Over 30 trees were planted in addition to the +210 added in the last few seasons.

Lots more still to do: Newman St. Facing South from Eastcastle Street

The Initiative is keen to see the last barren streets near the sizeable Middlesex Hospital, Berners Hotel and Rathbone Place redevelopment sites greened.  This will help neighbourhood streets that really need some TLC and also strengthen the impact of the Central London Green Grid project.

East Marylebone / Fitzrovia Planting 2012-13:

Riding House Street        pear                       3
Gildea Street                     pear                       4
Eastcastle Street              pear                      16
Langham Street               pear                      10
Great Portland Street     Liquid Amber       1

The Initiative has appealed to Westminster City Council to ensure that appropriate trees find appropriate homes on the streets which lie just north of New Oxford Street (listed below).

Fitzrovia South – Newman St. Facing North from junction with Eastcastle St.

Fitzrovia South – Newman St. Facing North from Oxford St.

Fitzrovia South – Berners St. Facing South from junction with Eastcastle St.

Fitzrovia South – Newman St. Facing South from Eastcastle

Fitzrovia South – Berners St. Facing South from junction with Eastcastle St.

Possible future East Marylebone / Fitzrovia Streets for Planting:

Great Portland Street
Newman Street
Eastcastle Street (by Berners Hotel)
Berners Street    (by Berners Hotel)
Margaret Street
Riding House Street (by All Souls School)
Middleton Place (1 near University of Westminster)

All tree planting is subject to survey and local authority consent.

2013 Update – West Marylebone Trees

By Rosemary Forgan

Crawford Street in West Marylebone

Imagine walking through a beautiful forest of trees, offering extraordinary diversity – from pear to birch, from amelanchier to olives.   It would take a while because there are over 600 trees to enjoy – considerably more than the number found in an average orchard.

The thing is this ‘forest’ is in a place that those of us lucky enough to live or work in Marylebone walk through every day.   The west of the forest is framed by Edgware Road, Marylebone High Street to the east, Marylebone Road to the north and Oxford Street to the south – and its existence can only be described as an extraordinary accomplishment.

It was only 5 years ago, in 2008, that a group of locals got together with the idea of greening Marylebone – and a target of 119 trees for the whole area.   It began in ‘east Marylebone’ and soon spread to ‘west Marylebone’.    Now there are over 600 trees in total, approximately half of them in the area defined as west Marylebone.  Businesses, individuals and community groups all got together to raise funds and later organise the planting.   The Portman Estate worked closely with the Tree Section of Westminster Council – with many businesses in the vicinity contributing sponsorship money and support.

I don’t suppose many of us spend too much time thinking about what is under our feet as we pound the streets but it was a real priority for those doing the planting.  Each site had to be excavated to check whether tree roots would interfere with the various services and equally whether there would be enough room for roots to spread and grow.

Olive trees were chosen for Crawford Street blending in beautifully with those already planted in large tubs outside Clarewood Court.   They are a particularly useful species in this environment as they actually like having their roots squeezed.

Titania’s, the florist, enhanced their appearance still further by under-planting – firstly daffodils in the Spring

Then a striking mixed display as the season wore on

Margaret Fenton, who lived and worked in Marylebone for most of her life, left a generous bequest to The Marylebone Association when she died in 2010 so some of the money was used to dedicate a tree to her memory.  A group of friends and Marylebone Association members got together for the unveiling ceremony.

The tree is planted outside The Temperance pub in York Street – a rather beautiful lime tree, Tilia henryana, whose leaves have an unusual serrated edge.

A small plaque is embedded (firmly!) in the pavement in her memory.

What a difference the trees have made!   Apart from the aesthetics – the pure joy of walking down a tree-lined street – they earn their keep by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere but the increase in the number of birds to be heard singing away in the early morning and later at night is quite astonishing.

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So that’s it, all done and dusted?    Well not quite.    For reasons which remain a mystery, some people seem to have trouble distinguishing the tree cages from rubbish bins – and carefully stuff their cardboard coffee cartons or empty drink cans down inside.   Why we’ll never know but if everybody who saw them took a minute of their time to remove them it would be much appreciated by all.

Free the tree from litter!

As with any living plant matter, the trees will grow on their own, getting  larger and providing increasing shade as they mature but there are also back up plans in place to keep an eye on them, to make sure if any die or become unsightly they are replaced.    The little ‘green jackets’ the trees are wrapped have raised a few questions too – what are they?      In fact they are to catch rainwater and make sure the trees don’t dry out although the species have been chosen for their ability to survive and thrive in a relatively confined space – a little like the people of Marylebone themselves?

Note:

Trees planted during the 2012-3 planting season in West Marylebone include

Brown Street – 12 Amelanchier
Nutford Place – 4 Amelanchier
York Street – 6 birch
Dorset Street – 5 birch
George Street – 28 elm
Bryanston Street – 5 elm
Old Quebec Street – 1 Koeruteria
Nutford Place – 4 pear

50 Elms planted in Marylebone and Fitzrovia supporting Ulmus Londonium Project

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The W1W Street Tree Initiative supports the aim of the Ulmus Londinium Project to return elm trees to London.  A great many elm trees were lost in the 1970s to Dutch Elm Disease.  The Ulmus Londonium Project has sought to reverse the losses.

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Our first two first elms were planted by Alan Titchmarsh on Bolsover Street in 2011.  Elm trees had originally grown nearby until they were removed at the end of the 1800’s.   By Spring 2013, Westminster City Council has planted over 50 Dutch Elm Disease resistant trees in suitable locations all across Marylebone.

The distribution of the new elm trees is as follows:

Bolsover Street               elm              2                 2011

Mansfield Street             elm              4                 2012

George Street                 elm             28                2013

Seymour Street              elm             11                2012

Bryanston Street            elm              5                2013

                                       Total           50

This is a wonderful result for all involved.

To see the London’s elm numbers grow further do visit the Natural History Museum’s online tree map which shows the Ulmus Londinium project’s progress.

Marylebone’s Beaumont Street now lined with 14 Amelanchier trees

Another Marylebone Tree Planting phase was completed successfully today on Beaumont Street.  Lord Glenarthur, Chairman, dug in a tree and unveiled a plaque thanking the Consultants at King Edward VII’s Hospital for sponsoring the 5 Amelanchier trees recently planted outside the Hospital.  Peter Ruback, Chairman of the Westminster Tree Trust, who was also present mentioned how pleased the Trust has been to plant so many trees near hospitals in Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

Lord Glenarthur plants the ultimate Amelanchier tree in front of King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone

A total of 14 trees have been planted on the Beaumont Street by the W1W Tree Planting Initiative.  The Initiative has planted over 500 trees in the neighbourhood since 2009 in order to support the Central London Green Grid.  The Initiative has proven extremely successful thanks to a strong partnership between the local community — residents and businesses, Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council.

Lord Glenarthur at Beaumont Tree Planting Ceremony

Beaumont Street, Marylebone now planted with 14 Amelanchier trees

Lord Glenarthur with Peter Ruback CBE, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust and Chris Colwell of Westminster City Council’s Arboricultural Section

New Amelanchier trees in Marylebone

Tree planting on the Streets of Marylebone

Beamont Street now with trees

Lord Glenarthur plants the untimate Amelanchier tree in front of King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone

Trees planted in Marylebone

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We are especially grateful to Westminster City Council’s Arboricultural Department for the wonderful support provided to the project.

Urban Tree Planting, Motivation, Policy and Guidance

This gallery contains 17 photos.

Here is a short list of publications that provide helpful reading for those that want to know more about planting trees in cities.  We hope these motivate you to increase the number of trees in your neighbourhood. You may download a … Continue reading →

University of Westminster helps green Cleveland Street

Trees added to Cleveland Street – Fitzrovia Forest – University of Westminster –   Opposite BT Tower

Celebration: Trevor Wills, Director of Estates & Facilities, Professor Geoffrey Petts, Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Westminster, Peter Ruback CBE, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust, and Tarik Mahriat Students’ Union representative (Left-Right) after planting two new trees on Cleveland Street (W1W)

Tree planting in Fitzrovia continues with the recent addition of two silver birch trees outside University of Westminster‘s Cavendish Campus on Cleveland Street.  The trees arrival marks the University’s 175th anniversary, an important milestone in institution’s history while contributing to the greening of another area of our neighbourhood.  Planting more trees on Cleveland Street has proved especially challenging due to the extent of subterranean infrastructure under its pavements.

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The trees’ arrival was celebrated at a ceremonial planting on 20 March 2013, with one of the trees being planted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Petts, and the other by Students’ Union representative, Tarik Mahri.   Peter Ruback, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust, spoke to gathering stressing the commitment the Trust has had to green the streets of Westminster – in particular those in East Marylebone.  This was the first tree planting at any of the University’s Central London sites in recent years.

The idea of the Cleveland Street tree project was inspired by the W1W Tree Planning Initiative, which has planted hundreds of trees in the area as part of the Fitzrovia Forest project in East Marylebone.  The neighbourhood is acknowledged to suffer from high levels of environmental deprivation.  Westminster City Council part funded this project, which was delivered in coordination with the Westminster Tree Trust, W1W Tree Planting Initiative and DEFRA’s Big Tree Plant campaign.  We are especially grateful to Westminster Council’s Arboricultural Department for the wonderful support they provided to the project.

Professor Geoffrey Petts, Vice-Chancellor, of the Univeristy of Westminster plants

New Cleveland Street Trees

Professor Geoffrey Petts, Vice-Chancellor, of the Univeristy of Westminster – Tree Planting Cleveland Street

Fitzrovia Forest – U Westminster – Cavendish Campus – East Marylebone – Clipstone Street

Peter Ruback CBE, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust speak ats at planting on Cleveland Street

Tarik Mahriat Student representative – Tree Planting at the University of Westminster on Cleveland Street

Planting Trees in Fitzrovia Forest in East Marylebone

Trevor Wills, Director of Estates & Facilities – Tree Planting Cleveland Street – U Westminster

Planting Trees in Fitzrovia Forest in East Marylebone

Tree Planting Cleveland Street

Planting Trees in Fitzrovia Forest in East Marylebone

Tree Planting Cleveland Street

Planting Trees in Fitzrovia Forest in East Marylebone

Gathering for Planting of Trees in University of Westminster – Fitzrovia Forest in East Marylebone

New W1W Trees around Cavendish Campus of University of Westminster

Tree Planting Cleveland Street in East Marylebone / Fitzrovia

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These trees are in addition to the many that have now been planted around the Cavendish Campus of Westminster University.  This endeavour has been part of concerted action to improve the local area with trees and the creation of a new pocket park at the north of Great Titchfield Street.

Seeking funds for trees in Fitzrovia and East Marylebone

John Simpson plants Initiative’s 500th tree in Marylebone

“He is more used to war zones than green zones, but BBC’s John Simpson CBE did his bit for the ‘greening of Marylebone’ when he shovelled soil to plant the 500th tree outside BBC Broadcasting House as part of a three-year street tree project for Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

The world affairs editor was joined by his family, pupils from St Vincent’s Primary School and the newly elected Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Angela Harvey at an event organised by the W1W Tree Planting Initiative, a scheme run by residents, businesses, the Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council.

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Speaking at the event, the 67-year-old BBC world affairs editor said: “In my daily work I see a lot of destruction and cruelty and stupidity – a lot of the destroying of good things of the earth.  To play a part in planting something like this is absolutely marvellous.”

This marked a landmark moment for the four-year W1W Tree Planting Initiative, a partnership between residents, businesses, Westminster Tree Trust and Westminster City Council, to improve the borough streets.  The project received match funding from the Trust and Council with £80,000 being donated by local residents, businesses and organisations.

Westminster Lord Mayor Angela Harvey with three Councillors Alan Bradley, Harvey Marshall and Jonathan Glanz who supported the project since its inception.

In her first official engagement as Lord Mayor Councillor Angela Harvey, a former Chairman of the Go Green Task Force at Westminster City Council, remarked on the achievement of getting the 500 trees planted in Marylebone prior to the Olympics — just as locals had originally hoped.  Moy Scott, Vice Chair of Westminster Tree Trust, who spoke to the gathering, mentioned how pleased the Trust was with this result.  The text of Moy’s speech may be accessed here.

Recently the W1W Tree Planting Initiative received a big boost when the Big Tree Plant campaign provided a grant of £10,000 to support further tree planting in East Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

2012: Scores of New Trees Planted in West Marylebone

11 June 2012 – Giorgio Locatelli planted an elm tree outside his eponymous restaurant on Seymour Street (by Portman Square) in celebration of the 119 new trees being planted in West Marylebone early 2012.  The planting took place in the presence of The Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Angela Harvey and Moy Scott, Vice Chair of Westminster Tree Trust.

By Spring 2012, we had the pleasure of seeing trees planted on Crawford Street, Gloucester Place, Bryanston Street, George Street, Seymour Place, Seymour Street and  Wigmore Street in Marylebone.

We are most grateful for the generous support this campaign has received from local residents and businesses, The Portman Estate and Westminster City Council.

LOVE OF TREES – by Tony Frazer-Price

West Marylebone celebrates with the Lord Mayor Cllr Angela Harvey and Giorgio Locatelli the planting of 144 new trees in the neighbourhood

I got involved with the West Marylebone tree project by way of Sybil Kapoor whose amazing enthusiasm got our tree fever vision off the ground.

I certainly can’t lay claim to the five hundred trees that are now planted around Marylebone but just those that now line Crawford Street. The target was 39 trees with birches either end of Crawford Street and olive trees  in the middle section to match the thriving olive trees that were planted outside Clarewood Court a few years ago.

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Sybil and I found great enthusiasm for the idea of olive trees and birches abounding the pavements of Crawford Street and there were twenty-one donations from businesses,mansion blocks and individuals who gladly gave over £5,000 so that they could be part of the tree heritage that will grow and grow.

In West Marylebone we are now blessed with trees and I even got involved in a tree planting ceremony – there’s a first for my CV – with the Councillor Angela Harvey, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and Giorgio Locatelli when a tree was planted outside his restaurant.

Crawford Street street scene in Spring 2012

Time to reflect on the comforting reality that as we and our families put down roots in this lovely area of London so do our trees. They will keep on growing and prospering as well as be there for all to enjoy for years to come.  Now that the Westminster Tree Trust has started this initiative I hope, that in years to come, not only will residents continue to enjoy our trees but ensure that others grow alongside them.

LOVE OF TREES

Tony Frazer-Price

Fitzovia Community Centre Launched – Commemorative Tree Planted on Berners Street

Fitzrovia locals recently celebrated two positive developments in the neighbourhood.  The first good news was the opening of the Fitzrovia Community Centre — a new hub for local activities with an emphasis on increasing social cohesion.  The second news item was the good progress being made with the Fitzrovia Forest – a project to plant street trees across the neighbourhood.  approximately 140 new trees have now been planted on area streets since the project’s launch.

Mark Field MP and Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr. Dr. Cyril Nemeth plant the ceremonial tee on Berners Street on 15 June 2012 in celebration of the opening of the Fitzrovia Community Centre

Commemorative Plaque for the opening of the Fitzrovia Community Centre on Berners Street in July 2012

Both successes were celebrated with the ceremonial opening of the Centre and tree planting on Berners Street  by Cllr Dr Cyril Nemeth, Deputy Mayor, City of Westminster and Mark Field MP for the Cities of London and Westminster.   Edward Turner, chair of the new Fitzrovia Community Centre, along with many well wishers were present at the ceremony.

Berners Street Tree Line in Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia Forest Trees started to appear in 2012

Mark Field MP and Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr. Dr.Nemeth plant the Ceremonial Tree on Berners Street on 15 June 2012

Commemorative Plaque for the opening of the Fitzrovia Community Centre

Great Titchfield Street in 2012

Green North end of Great Titchfield Street

New Trees on Carburton Street

Tree line on Great Titchfield Street in Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia Forest Area of Interest 2012-3 — Big Tree Plant

Moy Scott, Vice Chairman of the Westminster Tree Trust, spoke to the gathering of local residents and school children and remarked that the Trust’s had ambitions to plant over 220 trees here.

Fitzrovia Forest Area of Interest 2012-3 — Big Tree Plant

We are optimistic that this Fitzrovia Forest target may be reached; especially now that a grant from the Big Tree Plant campaign has been received and other financial contributions have been confirmed.

Fitzrovia Forest / East Marylebone Trees — 2012 Update

Great Titchfield Street – 18 trees planted

Berners Street – 21 trees planted

Cleveland Street – 3 trees planted

Carburton Street– ~16 trees planted

Bolsover Street– 48 trees planted

Clipstone Street -14 trees planted

Total:   140 trees planted

Big Tree Plant grants £10,000 to Fitzrovia Forest project

Ambitions to plant more trees in East Marylebone received a big boost recently with the news that we received a grant of £10,000 from The Big Tree Plant Campaign.  These monies supplements a £25,000 S106 contribution for trees that will come from the Ex-Middlesex Hospital redevelopment project which was confirmed in March 2012.

The Initiative has long sought funding for more trees in Fitzrovia and East Marylebone

The main aim of The Big Tree Plant funding scheme is to encourage and support community groups to plant trees in neighbourhoods where people live and work.

Grant Area Outlined
Map: Fitzrovia Forest Vision Document (Feb 2012)

The W1W Tree Planting Initiative and Westminster Tree Trust have been working in close cooperation with Westminster City Council’s Tree Section to see more trees are planted in the area.  This three way partnership aims to plant trees in East Marylebone/ Fitzrovia as part of the Fitzrovia Forest Project.   A match funding model, in operation since 2008 has been crucial for the success of this project.

The Fitzrovia Forest project hopes to plant approximately 220 trees in East Marylebone/ Fitzrovia.  Supporters believe these trees will make a striking environmental improvement to local streetscapes. New trees will give  cohesion to disparate buildings, add resplendent greenery and encourage biodiversity – bird and insect life.

no trees yet along Bolsover Street Holiday Inn Hotel

Every space on Cleveland Street was evaluated for more trees

Fitzrovia South – Eastcastle St. Facing East from junction with Gt. Titchfield St.

Fitzrovia South – Eastcastle St. Facing West from junction with Berners St.

Fitzrovia South – Newman St. Facing North from junction with Eastcastle St.

A view of southern Fitzrovia – Newman St. Facing North from Oxford St.

Fitzrovia South – Newman St. Facing South from Eastcastle

Bolsover Street’s hard ungreen streetscape

Fitzrovia Forest Vision Document Now Updated

The latest version of the Fitzrovia Forest document has just been released by ARUP and may now be downloaded from the link below.  A number of recommendations made by local stakeholders and the community have been incorporated in this draft.  An earlier version of the report was released in November 2011.

The purpose of the report is first and foremost to support tree grant applications for Westminster’s side of Fitzrovia.  The document’s also seeks to identify a number of townscape and public realm interventions and to encourage local residents, businesses and organisations to support the implementation of these interventions.   Camden Borough Council have similarly been preparing an Area Action Plan for their side of Fitzrovia.

Westminster Tree Trust – the W1W Tree Planting Initiative supports tree planting in Fitzrovia to balance its contribution to the streets of Marylebone.  The Initiative applied for a grant from The Big Tree Plant to assist the development of the Fitzrovia Forest in March 2012.   The updated Fitzrovia Forest document was included in the application package.

To download the current East Marylebone / Fitzrovia Forest document please click  here or on the image below.

Trees picket Marylebone Road pollution

The W1W Tree Planting Initiative has been in contact with Transport for London (TfL) seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of traffic of the Marylebone Road and Euston Roads on our neighbouring area.

Relentless traffic on the Euston Road heavy traffic as seen from Cleveland St

The Initiative has been working to implement a Central Marylebone Green Grid in the area between Edgware Road and Tottenham Court Road.  By the end of Spring 2012, the Initiative expects to have planted 500 trees in the area — many of these are within the boundaries of the Clean Air Fund corridor.

Tree planting in Marylebone mitigates the impact of road pollution in our area

We hope that TfL will help fund further planting of trees along neighbourhood roads that are most impacted by the pollution of the Marylebone and Euston Roads.

Potential streets that could be planted – within 50 yards of the Marylebone Road:

1. Lisson Grove

2. Seymour Place

3. Harewood Avenue

4.  Upper Montagu Street

5.  Balcombe Street  from Marylebone Road up to Dorset Square

6.  Gloucester Place- South of Marylebone Road

7.  Gloucester Place- North of Marylebone Road

8.  Baker Street

9.  Allsop Place

10 Chiltern Street

11. Luxborough Street

12. Nottingham Place

13. Cleveland Street – west side of street

 

Further details regarding this development will follow.

Help build the East Marylebone & Fitzrovia Forest Concept

The latest draft of the Fitzrovia and East Marylebone Landscape and Public Realm Visioning Plan  is now available for review and comment.   Join in so that our streets and public areas provide a better space for everyone in our neighbourhood.

Fitzrovia Forest / East Marylebone Green Vision (Now Updated)

Fitzrovia and East Marylebone are currently experiencing a great deal of change due to a number of significant redevelopment proposals, an increased residential population and a changing local economy.   Whilst these developments are being proposed, the physical condition of the areas’ streets and open spaces need further attention and a strategic approach to create a more unified and attractive public realm and landscape.  It is important that the neighbourhood takes advantage of good public realm design guidance that now exists.

East Marylebone / Fitzrovia Forest Vision Map

Westminster Tree Trust – the W1W Tree Planting Initiative supports tree planting in Fitzrovia to balance its contribution to the streets of Marylebone.   Informal advice received regarding possible tree grants for Fitzrovia stressed that it would be advantageous to show the tree project within the context of the City Council’s recently updated Public Realm Strategy.

A view of southern Fitzrovia – Newman St. Facing North from Oxford St.

ARUP were approached as they are global leaders in Urban Design with local knowledge and as they had previous experience of drafting tree planting proposals.   ARUP were gracious enough to complete this study entirely on a probono basis because they were extremely supportive of local tree planting efforts.   Arup surveyed the area and applied Westminster Public Realm Strategy to what they saw to create the draft consultation document.

Fitzrovia’s Open Space Deficiency Mapped Out (WCC Trees in the Public Realm)

The purpose of the report is first and foremost to support tree grant applications for Westminster’s side of Fitzrovia.   In order to be as inclusive as possible, the document has been put out for comment from the wider community.   Subject to comments received, the document will be revised and then used to support further tree grant applications.   It is hoped that this may inspire the wider transformation of the public realm within the study area.

Contact:   w1w.trees@live.co.uk

Document:  download link address

Tree Planting Celebration on Marylebone’s New Cavendish Street

On Friday 21st October, Ambassador Nicola Clase took part in a tree planting ceremony outside the Swedish Residence to mark the Embassy’s sponsorship of a tree through the Westminster Tree Trust, a charity dedicated to improving the environment in Westminster through an extensive tree planting scheme in cooperation with Westminster Council.  The tree is one of over 50 chanticleer pear trees that now line the length of New Cavendish Street.  The local community again played a very enthusiastic role in the greening of this historic Marylebone Street.

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Further information

Proposal made to complete Marylebone central tree grid by 2012

The Initiative has made a  proposal to Westminster City Council to plant seventy trees on nine Marylebone Streets during 2011-2012.   The resulting tree lines will complete our work on the Central Marylebone Green Grid.   Fund raising from the local community has now begun in earnest in order to help achieve this goal.

Proposed 2011-12 tree planting in Central and East Marylebone

The Marylebone Green Grid and Fitzrovia Forest in London wide context

The streetscape of this area is mostly treeless and of a hard-built environment deprived of much open public space or greenery.   Within this area there are numerous educational buildings including various nurseries, schools, colleges and university facilities along with a number of churches and a synagogue.

The streets to the east and north of BBC’s Broadcasting House are within this scope of this planting scheme.  Furthermore, two hospitals are located on streets where plantings have been proposed.

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For more information to how to support this endeavour by making a donation to Phase 7 or 8 of this tree planting project, please click on the icon below.

Phase 7 Tree Sponsorship Form

Phase 8 Tree Sponsorship Form

Marylebone streets included in Phase 7 and 8 of the Initiative include:

Langham Street, Gildea Street, Hallam Street (south end), Marylebone Street, Beaumont Street, Westmoreland Street, Duchess Street, Queen Anne Street, Mansfield Street.

Marylebone and Fitzrovia Tree Planting — vote for our success!

Vote for us to get a NatWest CommunityForce award of up to £6,000 to further our tree work in the Marylebone and Fitzrovia area.  Our target is to plant 500 new trees here by end 2012.

Vote for us here:   http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/1351

Over 5800 projects have been registered in the programme for possible funding.   Please spread the word!! Every vote counts!!  

Natwest Community Force Funding Competition Web Page

Ideas and details for Fitzrovia Forest South sprout

The southern side of Fitzrovia has had very little street improvement for many years. While the ORB project (Oxford Street, Regents Street and Bond Street) is improving almost all the other areas off Oxford Street, there are no public improvement works planned for these streets.  Meanwhile, Crossrail and the Middlesex Hospital site, between which this area is sandwiched, involve extensive works and changes, none of which are programmed to improve the streetscape of these streets.  Local businesses and residents can make this into a reality only by getting behind initiatives specifically focussed here.  This local street tree project is one such initiative.

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The possibility of planting trees on Newman Street, Eastcastle Street, Berners Street and Wells Street is now being evaluated.   It is hoped that approximately 40 trees on sites chosen to enhance the appearance of key streets and in particular of certain local long vistas (e.g. Berners Street North-South, Eastcastle Street West-East) will be possible.  It is an initiative supported by local residents and businesses including those in Berners Place, Newman Street, Eastcastle Street, Berners Street.

This initiative is part of the Fitzrovia Forest project which supports efforts to improve the public realm of this entire area which is bounded by Oxford Street, Euston Road, Portland Place, Cleveland Street and Rathbone Place.

This proposal builds on the work previously carried out by Arup and Streettrees which was referred to as the Fitzrovia Urban Forest.  Now that East Marylebone has joined West Marylebone in starting tree planting in earnest, this scheme has a greater chance of success by being linked with schemes in neighbouring streets.

Please contact w1w.trees@live.co.uk for further information.

Work for trees begin at the north end of Cleveland Street

Cleveland Street is an historic Fitzrovian road which lies at the edge of London’s bustling West End.  It is a high density residential, mixed usage street sitting astride the borough borders of Westminster and Camden.   Local environmental pollution is a serious concern for residents.

At its north end, Cleveland Street runs into Euston Road/Marylebone Road (A40 Westway) which has the notoriety of  being one of the most highly polluted traffic arteries, (not only of London but of Europe!) particularly high in nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and diesel soot particles.   Neighbouring Bolsover Street, which also runs into the Euston Road, was successfully tree lined in early 2011.

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In tests carried out by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP,) both Marylebone Road and Camden have the dubious distinction of being named as Britain’s worst “hotspots” for dangerous levels of diesel pollution.  Local area 2011’s total pollution limits were reached by April – within 4 months – meaning that pollution is 3 times higher than is legally permitted!

This is negatively affecting the health and even the mortality of local residents. Camden’s statistics demonstrate without question that life expectancy is significantly reduced for residents south of the Euston Road.

Efforts, through this major tree planting project, are being made to mitigate the impact of the pollution and noise emanating daily from tens of thousands of vehicle exhausts mere metres away from residential homes.  It is expected that tree planting on a significant scale may help shield local residents from some of the consequences of living so close to this very busy London thoroughfare, and help to improve air quality.

Local residents have prepared a dossier of tree site positions based on neighbourhood watch street improvement proposals (June 2007), ongoing consultations, mobilisations against early morning speeding traffic noise and a vote to campaign for more local greenery and open nature space (2011).

Howard House (Cleveland Street) residents have also been active campaigning for more greenery around where they live. For more information on these endeavours please see: http://howardhouseroofgarden.blogspot.com/.

Cleveland Street and traffic at Euston Road intersection

Relentless traffic on the Euston Road heavy traffic as seen from Cleveland St

View south down Cleveland Street from Euston Road

Barren view south down Cleveland Street

Heavy traffic and pollution on Euston Road road impacts Fitzrovia

Cleveland Street Polluted by Euston Road

Euston Road gridlock by Cleveland Street

If you would like to support efforts to green this section of Cleveland Street or if you need more information about this project please contact us. If you’d like to donate money towards planting a tree on our streets, just click below to download a donation form.   All contributions, large or small will help us achieve our goal.

All tree planting is subject to local authority survey and consent.

Fitzrovian Tree Sponsorship Form

Urban greening efforts focus on north Fitzrovia

There is plenty of evidence to show that people feel better in green spaces.  Trees can contribute to storm-water management, absorb traffic noise, provide shade which helps to reduce skin cancer, are the lungs of our Capital, and have calming elements on our cities.  We would like to bring more of these benefits to our neighbourhood in northern Fitzrovia.

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Efforts are underway to green parts of Holcroft Court’s exterior which are quite barren when compared to what has been achieved in the inner courtyard of the building complex.  Local residents now seek to complete their project by improving the outside of their building with new planters, trees and schrubs.

The trasformation of Holcroft Court's courtyard shows the real potential for greening in the neighbourhood

The W1W initiative aims to continue planting trees in East Marylebone and Fitzrovia.  The areas around Holcroft Court, Fitzrovia Court and Howard House are also in line for improvement.   And, especially as Holcroft Court is set back from the road, it provides unique opportunity to create a green space that offers a healthier and more productive communal space.

Draft concept for improvements to the exterior of Holcroft Court

The effort to green the area streets has been supported by local residents in Holcroft Court, Fitzrovia Court and also Howard House for trees at the north end of Cleveland Street.

Green oasis success at Fitzrovia Court

In the past, trees were not really considered worthwhile. Now that opinion is changing. Trees increase the value of property by 5-15%, and a mature tree by  as much as 27%. Whilst giving character and a sense of place, trees are also the high-rise guardians of the urban environment. Plus there is also evidence that trees help to lower stress and illness levels. All these hidden benefits will not only benefit the present generation, they ensure that we have fulfilled our obligation to future generations.

Trees were recently planted on neighbouring Bolsover Street with the help of Alan Titchmarsh in Spring 2011.   Hopefully this success will allow us to plant trees other area streets.  Survey work is ongoing to find suitable places for trees on Clipstone Street, Clipstone Mews, Carburton Street and Cleveland Street.

To support efforts to green our neighbourhood or if you need more information on this local project please contact  [[details]] .   If you’d like to donate money towards planting a tree on our streets, just click below to download a donation form.  All contributions, large or small will help us achieve our goal.

Sponsorship form

For detail on our local work please see

http://news.fitzrovia.org.uk/2011/09/06/greening-of-fitzrovia-continues/

http://news.fitzrovia.org.uk/2011/04/01/fitzrovia-street-to-be-re-named-in-honour-of-broadcaster/

Local panda and friends plant trees on Great Portland Street

Community Tree planting success with Portly Panda, Executive Director Peter Anwyl from International Students House, Vice Chair of the Westminster Tree Trust, Moy Scott and Councillor Harvey Marshall on Great Portland Street in July 2011

We are so pleased that Portly Panda of the Portland Hospital helped us plant our trees on Great Portland Street.   Together with children from All Souls School the final trees were added to the north end of this historic street today.

In association with International Students House, Pizza Express and The Portland Hospital, we marked the completion of this work with a community tree planting ceremony.

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The Vice Chair of the Westminster Tree Trust, Moy Scott and Councillor Harvey Marshall unveiled the plaques alongside the Executive Director Peter Anwyl from International Students House and Marco Bellisai Area Director for Pizza Express.

The tree planting and unveiling of the plaques was followed by a delicious reception with tea, coffee, pastries and cake hosted by Pizza Express.   We were delighted that so many from the neighbourhood could join this celebration.

The project is a joint initiative by Westminster City Council, Westminster Tree Trust and the W1W Tree Planting Initiative, a local community organisation – residents, resident’s associations, businesses and other commercial organisations – that relies on volunteers to raise funds for the trees and planting work.  The Westminster Tree Trust  has been planting trees to make London’s neighbourhoods more pleasant for over 25 years.

Devonshire Street tree planting phase concludes successfully with 52 trees lining the street

Devonshire Street Ceremonial Tree Planting in June 2011

The rain clouds left abruptly as we came to conclude our work towards greening in Devonshire Street in Marylebone today.  It was a real pleasure to have Kulveer Ranger (Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s Director of Environment and Digital London), Pam Warhurst (Chair of the Forestry Commission) and City of Westminster Councillor Alan Bradley (Trustee Westminster Tree Trust) mark the occasion by planting a chanticleer pear tree – which is one of the 52 new trees that now line Devonshire Street.  We are very grateful to St Marylebone School’s Green Club for joining and assisting us in planting the tree.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Director of the Environment and Digital London, said: “London’s leafy suburbs and green spaces are the lungs of the capital. They help breath life into our communities, protect the environment and speak to our national yearning for the countryside. Increasing the number of London’s trees is at the heart of the Mayor’s vision to put the village back into the city and help make the capital a greener, better place to live. Initiatives such as W1W tree planting project  are key to this drive by working in support of our tree programme RE:LEAF.   W1W exemplify how communities can work together to bring lasting positive benefits to an area. I hope that their fine example inspires others to take action.”

Residents from West Marylebone also joined us to celebrate the arrival of new trees on this historic street.  Plans have since been announced at the Marylebone Association’s Annual General Meeting about a new tree planting phase (subject to local authority survey and consent) to cover the roads west of the Marylebone High Street.  The Initiative has added over 180 trees to the streets of Marylebone streets this spring – and it is set to do even better in the coming year.  Detailed work is also ongoing to find suitable locations for trees in East Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

Councillor Alan Bradley added “I am very pleased to see Westminster Tree Trust’s vision of green pedestrian corridors through the whole of Marylebone start to appear as reality.  It is especially heartening that the enthusiasm of local businesses and residents has also been reflected in the financial support shown to the project by the neighbourhood.”

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The event also marked the launch of the Mayor of London’s RE:LEAF prospectus; a document setting out how London will increase tree canopy cover in the capital.  Kulveer Ranger (Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s Director of Environment and Digital London), went on to announce a major boost for tree planting and volunteering in London – urging Londoners to sign up to Team London‘s new tree planting volunteering programme, and to provide 10,000 trees for community groups to create urban orchards, wildlife havens and help beautify London.  In partnership with the Woodland Trust, the Mayor is offering 100 free tree packs for community groups to reclaim public spaces such as churches, playgrounds, or patches of unused land by planting 10,500 trees.  For more information, please see www.london.gov.uk/releaf-london.

A pleasant and productive reception after the planting was made possible through the generous hospitality of Iberica Restaurant for which the Initiative is most grateful.

New Cavendish Street Tree project completed with Professor Lord Winston

We were most fortunate in having Professor Lord Winston, the eminent scientist and broadcaster, to plant the last of 49 chanticleer pear trees on New Cavendish Street today.  In celebration of the event, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Susie Burbridge, also unveiled a commemorative plaque.  The W1W Tree Planting Initiative has planted over 180 trees in eastern Marylebone in the last year.

New Cavendish Street is a very busy inner London street which suffers from excessive traffic travelling through the neighbourhood.  It is hoped that the scheme will help reduce pollution in the immediate area, where there are many hospitals and medical consulting rooms – new trees will absorb some of the local traffic noise and make the area more attractive.

The project is a joint initiative by Westminster City Council, Westminster Tree Trust and the W1W Tree Planting Initiative, a local community organisation – residents, residents’ associations, businesses and other commercial organisations – that relies on volunteers to raise funds for the trees and planting work.  Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust, made an address to the large gathering of well wishers.  A copy of his speech may be found through this link.

Lord Winston said: “I’m delighted to show my support for this scheme and plant this chanticleer pear tree to mark a new beginning for the area.  Trees provide an integral source of life to every community and I hope that these trees will enhance the happiness and well-being of everyone who lives here.”

The initiative has planted 250 new trees as part of this phase of the project. It is hoped to increase this number to 500, ahead of the 2012 Olympics Games.  There are also plans to expand the area of tree planting into West Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

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The event also marked the successful conclusion of efforts by local school children to sponsor the planting of their own neighbourhood tree.   Members of the International Community School’s Eco-Team presented a cheque of £300 to Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust.  The funds had been raised over the last year in various school events and activities.

Dr Caroline Fowler, Field Studies Manager at International Community School noted, that “raising money for Westminster Tree Trust has been a very exciting project for the students in our Eco-Team. They have visited classes to teach other students why planting trees are important and older students have also used their maths skills to age trees in Regent’s Park.  It was a fantastic way for students to learn more about the environment and raise money to help their local community.”

The Greening of West Marylebone

In June 2011, inspired by the forest of trees being planted on the eastern side of Marylebone High Street, a group of us decided to form the West Marylebone Tree Initiative.  Our aim is to encourage tree planting to the west of the High Street. We’re part of the W1W Tree Planting Initiative, but we will focus solely on our local area which lies between Oxford Street, the Marylebone Road, Edgware Road and Marylebone High Street.

Over the next few years, we hope to gradually green up the most heavily polluted areas in West Marylebone, starting with Crawford Street (Phase 10) and the remaining treeless section of Gloucester Place (Phase 11).  In order to do this, we’re working closely with our local councillors, Westminster City Council, the Portman Estate, the Marylebone Association and Westminster Tree Trust.

Existing and proposed locations for new trees in West Marylebone

Key to our success has been the support of the Portman Estate.  They’re generously helping in this work, although the streets we’re targeting are outside the Estate’s boundaries.  The Estate covers the southern section of West Marylebone. Significantly, they too are undertaking a program of tree planting on the Estate.

The West Marylebone tree walk with Paul Akers of Westminster''s Tree Section was held on 17/09/11 It was organised with the helpful support of the Marylebone Association

As part of our campaign to raise awareness of the pleasures of living with trees we’ve organised a West Marylebone Tree Walk with Paul Akers on Saturday 17 September where you can learn all sorts of weird and wonderful arboricultural facts. The cash raised is going towards trees in Crawford Street – see Marylebone Association Events www.marylebone.org/events

The local tree walk was organised with Paul Akers and the Marylebone Association was most informative and enjoyable

If you have a street you’d like planted in this section of Marylebone or would like to help, please contact Sybil Kapoor at sybilkapoor@btinternet.com

Crawford Street

    

The response to planting Crawford Street has been amazing.  Everyone from local residents to small businesses have got behind the idea of raising money to plant more trees along this busy street.  They will link up with the four olive trees planted near the junction of Seymour Place.  WCC will be survey the street this autumn and up to 39 trees will be planted in the 2011-2012 planting season which runs from late autumn to early spring.

If you have a street you’d like planted in this section of Marylebone or would like to help, please contact Sybil Kapoor at sybilkapoor@btinternet.com

If you’d like to donate money towards planting a tree in Crawford Street, just click the  icon below to download a donation form.

Crawford Street Tree Sponsorship Form

All contributions, large or small will help us achieve our goal.

Gloucester Place

We’re targeting the last unplanted section of Gloucester Place, which runs from the junctions of Salisbury Place and Bickenhall Street to just beyond the Crawford Street junction.

No trees mitigate the impact of heavy traffic here on Gloucester Place

This unloved section of the Olympic Route is heavily polluted and currently quite unpleasant to cross.  The plan is to link up the avenue of Chanticleer pear trees that have already been planted on the Northern and Southern ends of the street.  WCC will survey this section of Gloucester Place in the autumn and up to 15 trees will be planted in the 2011-2012 planting season.  We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our work here.

London 2012 Olympic Route Map identifying the Gloucester Place tree planting area

If you’d like to donate money towards planting a tree in Gloucester Place, click the icon below to download a donation form.

Gloucester Place – Phase 11 – Tree Sponsorship Form

All contributions, large or small will help us achieve our goal.

Looking south down Gloucester Place where chanticleer pear trees have been proposed

If you have a street you’d like planted in this section of Marylebone or would like to help, please contact Sybil Kapoor at sybilkapoor@btinternet.com

Alan Titchmarsh completes the greening of Bolsover Street

Much to the delight of local residents and businesses and as part of the W1W Tree Planting Initiative, Alan Titchmarsh, MBE, celebrity broadcaster and gardening expert, planted an elm tree to mark the arrival of 48 new trees in Bolsover Street.  This marked the completion of efforts by the Initiative to ‘green’ this historic street and return elm trees to the neighbourhood.   Additional trees have also been planted on Great Titchfield Street and Greenwell Street.

Alan Titchmarsh, with the help of school children from All Souls Primary School, returns elm trees to Bolsover Street

The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Councillor Harvey Marshall unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of the event.   The Initiative has benefitted from considerable support from all sides and has recently planted over 160 trees along Marylebone’s streets during the last few months.

The Initiative has supported the objectives of the NHS Forest Campaign to improve the physical environment around medical facilities.  Today’s planting took place in front of the newly rebuilt Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and also marked the London launch of the NHS Forest Campaign.  As a result, new trees now surround the hospital.  Thirteen additional trees have been planted on Great Titchfield Street and Greenwell Street.  Rachel Stancliffe, Director of The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, commented:

“We are very pleased that the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital has joined the NHS Forest project.  Not only is this good for patients and staff at Bolsover Street, we hope this captures the imagination of communities in the area and sparks further tree planting at healthcare sites across London”

Alan Titchmarsh addresses the gathering at the Bolsover St Tree Planting 

This Bolsover Street phase has also played a part in the ‘Ulmus Londinium’ project, led by the Conservation Foundation – to provide elm trees in the capital for future generations.  Two new Elm trees have now been replanted on the street after an absence of over 150 years.  David Shreeve, Director, The Conservation Foundation, said:

“We are delighted that our friends in W1W Planting Initiative have chosen to replant elms very near to their original position in Bolsover Street.  London has a rich heritage of elm and let’s hope these new elms prove worthy neighbours of the magnificent Huntingdon elm, on the list of London’s greatest trees in nearby Marylebone High Street.”

Today’s celebration also coincided with the launch of a similar initiative to plant trees in neighbouring Fitzrovia.  This W1T Tree Planting Initiative aims to plant the right trees in the right places and hopefully soften the area’s hard urban character across Westminster’s borough border with Camden.  A proposal to plant trees on a further 12 streets in Fitzrovia and Marylebone is currently being evaluated by Westminster City Council.

Julian Maslinski, Chairman of the Westminster Tree Trust, speaks to well wishers at the Bolsover Street planting

Julian Maslinski, Chairman of the Westminster Tree Trust, made an address to the large gathering of well wishers.  The text of his speech follows below:

Julian Maslinski –  Bolsover Street Ceremonial Tree Planting Address

 

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For further information please see:

Conservation Foundation News – Elm Trees return to Bolsover Street

NHS Forest – Alan Titchmarsh plants ‘NHS Forest’ at London Hospital

City of Westminster – Alan Titchmarch marks London tree planting scheme

 

News clippings covering the event may be found here [X]

 

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Westminster Way Public Realm Update – March 2011

 

Westminster City Council has now closed its consultation process for street design practice and principles and also regarding the role of trees in the Borough.  The process ran from 17th January until the 28th of February 2011.

The draft Trees and the Public Realm – a tree strategy for Westminster identifies specific opportunities for planting in Marylebone.   Although the term Areas of Caution is still being applied to East and West Marylebone, the classification will notably no longer be seen as a prohibition on further greening in our historic area.

For more information please see:

Westminster Way – Public Realm Strategy Design Practice and Principles – 28 February 2011

Westminster_Way_Consultation_Draft_January_2011

Trees and the Public Realm – a tree strategy for Westminster – 28 February 2011

Trees_and_the_Public_Realm_Consultation_Draft_January_2011

Trees Planting on Marylebone Streets – Before & After

This gallery contains 10 photos.

Here are a few examples of the streets greened so far in Marylebone.   These before and after photographs show how the new trees are bringing with them the first signs of change on our roads.   Two hundred and eighty trees … Continue reading →

Over 100 trees planted on Devonshire and New Cavendish Streets in Marylebone

The 2010-2011 planting objectives for Devonshire (phase 5) and New Cavendish Streets (phase 6) have now been successfully delivered.   52 and 49 new pear trees now line Devonshire Street and New Cavendish Street respectively.   The planting process, though slightly delayed due to January’s big freeze, was completed by the end of February 2011.

This is a fantastic result for the community as it ‘greens’ two major east-west pedestrian corridors through our neighbourhood.

Devonshire Street, London W1

New Cavendish Street

New Cavendish Street Pear Trees

Devonshire Street

Devonshire Street Trees

Trees appear on Devonshire St

Devonshire St in Marylebone

Please see the short video below to show how the trees were planted on Devonshire Street in January 2011.

Great Portland Street phase progresses further

There has been further progress on Great Portland Street in the last few months with the planting of an additional 17 trees along its length.  Furthermore, a further section of the street was also repaved at the north end of the street.   A total of 25 new trees now line this busy thoroughfare.

These developments were recently celebrated at the unveiling of a plaque at 82 Great Portland Street.   The plaque and four trees were generously sponsored by James Taylor & Son, Bespoke Shoemakers.

James

Further trees arrived on Great Portland Street in early 2011

James Taylor & Son plaque unveiling at 82 Great Portland Street

Repaving part of Great Portland Street in 2011

Great Portland Street’s North end improved by repaving

Marylebone schools help bring trees in the neighbourhood

Local school children and Mathew Wright from Channel 5 TV get busy planting on Hallam Street

We have been delighted that numerous local schools have participated in our project by helping spread the word and raising contributions from the community.   The school children have also helped us plant our ceremonial trees and a number of schools have included our activities in their environmental programmes.

Children from International Community School’s Eco-Team presented a cheque of £300 to Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust at the New Cavendish Street Planting with Professor Winston

Schools that are participating in the W1W Tree Planting Initiative include:

• International Community School
• Portland Place School
• Queen’s College Preparatory School
• All Souls C.E. Primary School
• St. Marylebone C.E. School
• St. Vincents R.C. Primary School

All together tree planting near London’s West End

Local school children plant on New Cavendish Street

600th tree is packed down by green tree on Great Portland St

Children from ICS and Mathew Wright from Channel 5 TV plant on Hallam Street

New Cavendish Street Planting London June 2011

Pizza Express’ tree is planted on Great Portland Street

St Marylebone School plant a chanticleer pear tree which is one of 52 new trees now lining Devonshire Street.

All hands helping Portland Hospital’s Portly Panda plant trees on Great Portland Street

mathew wright completes tree planting on hallam street

Barbara Windsor and Queens College Prep School on Weymouth Street London

ICS children funds raised for trees in Marylebone

New Cavendish Street Tree Planting

Awaiting the planters

Mark Field MP and Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr. Dr.Nemeth plant the Ceremonial Tree on Berners Street on 15 June 2012

W1W Green Teams

We are delighted that Kulveer Ranger (Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s Director of Environment) and representatives of St Marylebone School’s Green Club

ICS kids help tread in the last of 49 new trees for New Cavendish Street

Children from International Community School’s Eco-Team presented a cheque of £300 to Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust at the New Cavendish Street Planting

500th Tree Green Team

Tarik Mahriat Student representative – Tree Planting at the University of Westminster on Cleveland Street

All Souls CE Primary School kids’ work is all done at the Bolsover St tree planting

Alistair Douglas, Chairman Tree Council, Forestry Minister David Heath, Cllr Jonathan Glanz, with Children from St Vincent’s Primary School on Great Portland Street, London W1W

Mathew Wright assisted by school children from ICS plant trees on Hallam Street

Hallam Street Beginnings with Interation Community School

Paul Akers, Head Arboriculturalist for Westminster Council answers questions about trees from ICS children

The plaque is unveiled!

John Simpson of the BBC and St Vincent;s Green Team plant 500th tree

Tree planting nr London’s Oxford Street

After tree planting fun at Pizza Express Great Portland Street

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Barbara Windsor completes the planting of new trees on Weymouth Street

Barbara Windsor completes the tree planting on Weymouth Street

Barbara Windsor, actress and Marylebone local, planted the last of 53 new pear trees to go into Weymouth Street today.  The planting took place with the enthusiastic help of school girls from Queen’s College Prep School. They were joined by The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Councillor Harvey Marshall, who unveiled a ceremonial plaque for the occasion in front of many local volunteers and a gathering of well wishers from the community.

 

Commenting on the merits of the local Initiative, Barbara said: “As a local I’m delighted to be showing my support for this scheme. London is a magnificent city and it’s great to see a project that encourages people to take pride in their neighbourhood. This has given us an opportunity to make a real difference to the place in which we live.”

 

The text of the speech of Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust, given at the event follows below:

Julian Maslinski Addresses the well wishers at the Weymouth planting

Deputy Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen

I am Julian Maslinski, Chairman of Westminster Tree Trust.

A partnership between the Trust, the W1W Tree Planting Initiative – residents and businesses – and Westminster City Council has planted more than 100 trees in Marylebone since 2009 – 40 in Hallam Street, 53 here along Weymouth Street, and 8 in Great Portland Street.

Indeed, this is the third occasion in 18 months when we have enjoyed the privilege of a prominent public figure to plant one of our trees and mark a particular phase of the Initiative.

Our warmest thanks go to Barbara Windsor for most kindly taking time out from her extremely busy schedule and being with us here today. Barbara is a local resident.

We are most appreciative also to her husband, Scott Mitchell, for all his help towards making possible this very special occasion.

Trees not only can transform an area of hard urban character with, of course, their resplendent greenery, but also improve air quality, encourage biodiversity – in particular bird and insect life – reduce traffic noise, have a calming effect upon streets and reduce the temperature for pedestrians on hot summer days.

Our future plans now include the planting of a further 12 trees in Great Portland Street, up to 20 over Bolsover, Cleveland, Greenwell and Great Titchfield Streets, 60 along Devonshire Street and 60 in New Cavendish Street – all subject to local authority consents.

I will conclude by making a number of heartfelt thank yous.

First and foremost to Mark Gazaleh, a W1W resident, Trustee of Westminster Tree Trust and coordinator of The W1W Tree Planting Initiative. Mark’s individual commitment to and achievement in tree planting within the local community have been truly remarkable, and all on an entirely voluntary basis. He is indeed an environmental champion and without his considerable personal efforts we would not be here today.

Thank you also to all those many individuals, residents, residents’ associations, businesses and commercial organisations that have made such generous financial contributions towards this highly ambitious project.

Difficult as it is to single out particular donors from a very large list – The Princess Grace Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic, Groundwork London, The Howard de Walden Estate, Ridgeford Properties, The Langham London, James Taylor & Son and Bastows are but a few of our principal sponsors. Groundwork London works closely with both the Greater London Authority and the Forestry Commission.

Last, but most certainly not least, thank you to Westminster City Council, especially Paul Akers, Head of the Tree Section and colleague officers at City Hall, whose great efforts, expertise and dedication throughout have been absolutely crucial.

We are extremely grateful also to the Forestry Commission and The Royal Institute of British Architects.

The Forestry Commission and The Tree Council are major national players in tree planting. We are delighted that The Tree Council is represented here today.

And now, without further ado, I will request Barbara Windsor to say a few words.

The ceremony highlighted the plans of the W1W Tree Planting Initiative to plant hundreds of trees across our neighbourhood before the start of the 2012 London Olympics.  Over 100 trees have already been planted on Weymouth Street, Hallam Street and Great Portland Street over the past year.  A further 150 trees are expected to be planted in the Spring of 2011.

The Royal Institute of British Architects generously hosted the gathering afterwards for refreshments.  This was much appreciated by all, and made a very important contribution to the success of the occasion.   We also benefitted from the insight of a number of notable organisations – please see the video below.

 

The Initiative was delighted to receive favourable press coverage for the event.  A small selection of which follows below.

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Where are Marylebone and Fitzrovia?

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Devonshire Street and New Cavendish Street Tree Phases Launched

We are delighted to announce that Devonshire Street and New Cavendish Streets will be included in the Initiative’s programme for street tree planting in Marylebone.  Fund raising for this endeavour will begin immediately with the intention that the trees for the street can arrive within the next planting season (subject to survey and local authority consent).  The objective will be to plant approximately 50 trees on both Devonshire Street (phase 5) and New Cavendish Street (phase 6).  We are grateful for the enthusiastic support we have received from the members of the Marylebone Association at the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting.  Furthermore, the Initiative and Westminster Tree Trust have now been selected in the local charity programmes of Sainsburys (Great Portland Street) and Waitrose (Marylebone High Street).   The support of these local stakeholders is most appreciated.

A grant application has been submitted by the Westminster Tree Trust to the Greater London Authority for the planting of fifty trees down the length of Devonshire Street.  Paul Akers, Westminster City Council’s Arboricultural Manager, will also be presenting an associated dossier to Westminster’s Street Improvement Review Scheme (SIRG) for their approval.

The focus on biodiversity and the ‘greening’ of Marylebone continues to gain momentum.  A thought provoking article on this subject was recently published in the Marylebone Journal.  The author, Sybil Kapoor, writes that just because Marylebone is in central London, there’s no reason for it to be shut off from nature. She also goes on to investigate how to go about making it a greener, wilder, more bio-diverse area.

Please click on the magazine cover image below to read Sybil’s article.

The W1W Tree Planting Initiative’s success would not have been possible without extremely generous donations from the local community / businesses, and contributions from Westminster Tree Trust, GroundWork London, together with financial support from Westminster City Council.

Barren views over Devonshire Street and New Cavendish Street in late spring 2010