Tree-Mendous Volunteers Get Award

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Ealing's street tree initiative receives national recognition

Ealing’s flagship street tree initiative received national recognition last week when it took home a highly commended award from the RE:LEAF Tree and Woodland Awards at City Hall.

Hosted by The Mayor of London, the awards celebrated the work of individuals and groups who protect, improve and expand the capital’s tree and woodland cover.
Ealing was the first borough in London to introduce a tree warden scheme in December 2011 and now has more than 35 local volunteers signed-up.

The award was given to the tree wardens for their work in sprucing-up local streets and planting trees. The scheme was also recognised for maintaining excellent relationships between local volunteers and the council, and for providing a new kind of volunteering opportunity for local people.

The tree warden initiative aims to equip people with skills and knowledge about trees and their local environment, as well as give residents a great way to meet other local people and to get amongst in their community. The volunteers play a key role in helping to maintain the trees they plant, including watering, weeding and pruning.

(L-R) BBC world affairs editor, John Simpson, with project coordinator, Susan Wyatt and tree wardens Kris Scigalski, Julia Milsome and David Ryder at the awards evening at City Hall last week

Ealing’s cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, said: “I am delighted our tree warden initiative has been formally recognised and I’m sure it will encourage even more people to get involved. The project only started up at the end of 2011, so it’s fantastic that it has already made such a difference in the community. The initiative would not be so successful without the enthusiasm and dedication of the wonderful local people who take part, and the support of Gristwood and Toms Ltd and the Tree Council. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.”

To sign-up for the scheme, please contact Susan Wyatt on wyatts@ealing.gov.uk

May 30, 2013