Forest for Change

As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce toxic air pollution in the Borough, Islington Clean Air Parents organised and campaigned to take 200 donated trees from the Es Devlin 2021 Forest for Change Installation at Somerset House to be rehomed in Islington. Not only did we raise over £15,000 to bring the trees to Islington and to ensure they were planted properly, but we also found homes around the Borough for every single tree.

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Many of the trees were planted in this space – now called Islington Forest for Change – where they are thriving and providing a wonderful green community space for local people and particularly local children.

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A number of trees were also planted around Islington – you may have spotted some while out and about in the Borough. Before they were planted, we asked local people to help us identify suitable locations around the Borough in housing estates, under-used open spaces as well as vacant street tree pits. We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of residents, community groups and schools in finding places for our trees and were happy to be able to find homes for all 200 trees.

The trees are now thriving in Islington. The trees are helping to regenerate Islington’s urban and green spaces by offering more places for children to engage with nature, learn about the importance of trees and benefit from enhanced neighbourhoods.

Founder of the project, Lucy Facer said during the fundraising campaign:

“These trees signify a healthier future for children in Islington. It is important we take action to improve air quality now, whilst our children are young and so vulnerable to the long-lasting effects of air pollution.”

Tree locations

The trees were planted in a wide range of locations in and around the borough, including housing estates, schools, community spaces, urban landscapes, under-used open spaces, and vacant street tree pits. 

“Trees are vitally important for children. They provide shade in the summer, places to play and clamber on, leaves to collect, and they help clean the air too. We need more of them!“

frankie Roberto, islington clean air parent

Tree Sponsorship

To deliver this ambitious project, ICAP is raised £15,000 to help pay for the costs of transporting, planting, and watering the trees. 

Many people chose to be part of this fantastic initiative and helped bring the Forest for Change trees to Islington by sponsoring a tree. From individuals, families, groups and organisations, we were fortunate to raise the money to bring the Forest for Change to Islington.

A legacy in Islington

Islington Council supported the project and helped with the logistic arrangements, providing expertise, and took on the long-term maintenance of the trees.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are facing a climate emergency, which is why we’re working to become a net zero carbon borough by 2030. Collaboration between the council, local people, business, and community groups is essential if we’re to meet our ambitious target. We are extremely grateful to Islington Clean Air Parents for their hard work on this, and to the London Design Biennale and Forest for Change for selecting Islington as one of two boroughs to receive the trees.”

The trees were planted from October 2021 by Islington Council trees team and specialist landscaping company Scotscape.