8 new trees planted on Bermondsey’s Longfield Estate

Two European Nettle Trees, three Turkish Hazel, two Lime Trees and one Field Maple have been planted on the green area at the Longfield Estate.

These trees were chosen to have maximum impact on the local environment and were selected in consultation with Southwark's arboricultural officer, in order to ensure that they kept within the areas existing stock palette, and had long-term suitability.

The project is part of a UK-wide initiative developed by Trees for Cities in partnership with New World Payphones.

New World Payphones is replacing ageing phone boxes with touch-screen booths that combine wi-fi, interactive maps and payphone services.

For every phone box upgraded, a new tree will be planted, with a nationwide total of up to 1,000.

Trees for Cities will maintain the trees for three years before training staff at New World Payphones, who will then take over their care.

David Elliott, chief executive of Trees for Cities, said: "The estate was identified as a location that could benefit from more trees by softening the green space. We were, therefore, delighted to support this.

"Trees are one of the most vital elements of liveable and healthy cities. They help create spaces that promote physical activity, reduce mental illness, and enhance community cohesion and a reconnection with nature.

"Our cities' environments and tree stocks face multiple risks and threats, and their futures are integrally tied to the actions of the business sector. The leadership and vision that New World Payphones has demonstrated in supporting and promoting this programme is truly inspirational."

Each location and species of tree has been carefully chosen to bring maximum benefit to residents. The new trees will add character and colour to the local environment, and raise air quality for old and young alike.

Doreen Knight, resident of the Longfield Estate, said: "I've lived here all my life, and back in the 1930s there were absolutely no trees on our estate. It's brilliant to have the grassy patches that we do have softened with some additional trees for the community."

This planting season – running till the start of April – the project will include a total of 14 London boroughs, with a minimum of 150 trees scheduled for planting across the capital.

Victoria Thorp, regional operations manager of Clear Channel UK, which owns New World Payphones, said: "We're thrilled to be bringing new trees to Southwark. We believe it is essential to play an active role in helping improve the environment of the areas we operate in.

"We're delighted to join our charity partners Trees for Cities and the residents of Southwark to bring the first of many new trees to the area – leaving a lasting legacy for the people of the borough."