Tower Hamlets has once again been recognised as a Tree City of the World – marking its fifth consecutive year receiving the prestigious accolade from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The borough has also been recognised as the leading Tree City in the UK after being awarded 5 stars in the inaugural Growth Awards and will be recognised as a Global Leadership City for going above and beyond the foundational standards of Tree Cities of the World.
The Tree City of the World status shows the council’s ongoing commitment to expanding urban greenery, boosting biodiversity, and improving air quality through its ambitious tree-planting programme and dedication to managing and safeguarding its tree stock against a changing climate.
Since first earning the title in 2022, Tower Hamlets has planted more than 6,241 trees across the borough:
- 1,389 trees on public highways and streets
- 3,935 across parks and open spaces
- 917 in housing estates
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said:
“We’re proud to once again be recognised by the United Nations as a Tree City of the World, having planted 6,241 trees since 2022, surpassing our original target, because trees are essential to a cleaner, greener and healthier borough. We’re not stopping there. We’re committed to planting a further 1,000 trees on our streets, in our parks and across our estates.
“This achievement reflects the power of partnership between local people, community organisations and our dedicated council teams who care for these trees year-round. In a densely populated area like ours, trees help clean the air, boost biodiversity, reduce flooding risk, and provide shade to keep our communities cool in summer.”
Mary King, London Development and Advocacy Manager at Trees for Cities, said:
“Trees for Cities is proud to partner with Tower Hamlets Council and to see its leadership in urban forestry recognised once again. Being named a Tree City of the World for the fifth year running, Tower Hamlets is also the only UK local authority to achieve all five criteria for the Growth Awards.
“Through the Trees for Streets tree sponsorship platform, over 500 new street trees have been planted across the borough in the last five planting seasons with support from local residents and businesses.
“Tower Hamlets has been a fantastic partner to work with, and we look forward to continuing this crucial work supporting communities with the health benefits and climate resilience provided by trees.”
Get involved
People can support the borough’s greening efforts by sponsoring a tree via Trees for Streets or joining local planting events with Trees for Cities.
Posted on Tuesday 19th May 2026