The Shade Revolution: Growing Street Tree Cover in London

Recorded live at the London National Park City Visitor Centre (80 Mortimer Street), host Michael Shilling speaks with Oli Back, Head of Operations at Street Trees for Living (STfL).We dig into how community-led planting and long-term care can transform streets: from sponsorship and guardianship, to cooling overheated playgrounds, to tackling tree equity and choosing the right tree, right place — and right reason. We also cover timelines, funding realities, and simple ways you can get involved in your neighbourhood.In this episodeBottom-up planting that lasts: sponsorship, guardianship and three-year careShade, cooling and calmer streets around schoolsTree equity: targeting low-canopy, high-need areasSpecies choice and the “right tree, right place (and right reason)” approachPractical routes to action for residents, businesses and schoolsLinks & resourcesStreet Trees for Living — home: streettreesforliving.orgSponsor a street tree (Lewisham residents): I’m a Lewisham ResidentSchools programme: Plant Trees — I’m a SchoolTargeted planting & vacant pits: Grow Back TogetherHow to get new trees planted (Lewisham Council): lewisham.gov.uk guidanceCitywide strategy: London Urban Forest Partnership (GLA)Explore trees near you: TreeTalk mapEnvironmental data hub: GiGL – Greenspace Information for Greater LondonVisit us: London National Park City Visitor CentreJoin the movement: London National Park City – website | Join the communityCredits Recorded live during Open House Festival London. Host: Michael Shilling (London National Park City). Guest: Oli Back (Street Trees for Living).Explore more London National Park City Podcasts