My Climate Change Garden

Trees for Cities is an independent charity, which inspires people to plant and love trees worldwide. Set up as Trees for London in 1993, Trees for Cities’ aim is to create social cohesion and beautify our cities through tree planting, community-led design, education and training initiatives in urban areas that need it most.

They manage projects across the UK as well as internationally in cities such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, Ica and La Paz. Their work supports urban tree planting initiatives particularly in deprived areas of cities.

Community-led design is an integral part of all their landscaping projects. Involving local residents, schools and community groups helps ensure the sustainability of green spaces.

http://www.treesforcities.org/about-us/20th-birthday/the-blue-trees-of-london/

In 2013, which is their 20th birthday, Trees for Cities celebrated London’s unique tree heritage by delivering a programme of tree related, community engagement activities as part of the City of London Festival.

“By colouring the trees blue, we want people to stop and notice these beautiful trees, which are so often taken for granted”, says Sharon Johnson, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities. “It is well reported in the UK that there has been a decline in urban trees over the last decade, and the threat from disease is on the increase.  Over 80% of the population will live in cities by 2050.  We urgently need to protect and plant more trees to help foster a sense of well being and happiness in our cities”.

With the Blue Trees, the colour and the Tree become a sculptural work referencing people’s lives, their daily existence and how individually and collectively we shape the world we inhabit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BiKbB_WLjg