The Tree Cities of the World programme has recognised 27 UK ‘Tree Cities’, for their dedication to protecting and cherishing their urban tree canopy. All UK nations are represented, with Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff leading the way outside of multiple towns and cities across England.
The winning cities join an international network of 210 Tree Cities across 24 countries. Tree Cities of the World is a programme co-founded in 2019 by The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to planting trees, and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, cities must meet five core standards; have clear responsibility for tree care, set official tree management rules, update an inventory of local tree resource, allocate a dedicated tree planting budget, and hold an annual tree celebration event with the community.
Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, says: “Now more than ever, trees are essential to creating healthier, more resilient cities and towns.
“This global community of leaders is driving innovation and excellence in urban forestry—with cities in the UK leading the way through bold policies, community-driven initiatives, and a deep commitment to expanding and protecting urban forests.”
Cardiff Council has renewed its status for three consecutive years, commended for their Coed Caerdydd (Cardiff Forest) project. A response to the climate emergency, this project recently saw its 100,000th tree planted since launching in 2021, all trees having been planted with the help of the community.
Doncaster’s Tree City of the World status is testament to the council’s mission to plant one million trees across the city by 2031, with just under 300,000 trees having been planted and celebrated so far.
Ipswich Borough Council are currently planting a new woodland, featuring 2,500 trees of 20 different species, remarkably in a stag beetle-shape as a nod to its stag beetle-friendly deadwood habitat features.
Sarah Culshaw, Wildlife and Education Ranger at Ipswich Borough Council says: “We are immensely proud to have been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the last three years.
“The scheme is a great way to show our residents that we are passionate about effective urban tree management and recognise the hard work of our dedicated teams. Our trees are a huge part of our town, helping to reduce the heat island effect, create lush open spaces for engagement with nature and reduce the impact of climate change.”
Environmental charity Trees for Cities leads the promotion of Tree Cities of the World in the UK, currently partnering with 12 of the celebrated cities to facilitate their tree planting efforts.
Kate Sheldon, CEO at Trees for Cities, says: “Trees for Cities is proud to lead Trees Cities of the World in the UK, recognising real value in heralding towns and cities that set high standards in urban forestry.
“Trees offer immense benefits for our health and well-being, and are one of our best nature-based solutions adapting our cities to climate change. Trees—and their champions—deserve to be celebrated!”
In early March, The Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for Cities will meet in London to discuss opportunities to strengthen the growing international network of Tree Cities. The complete list of recognised Tree Cities of the World is available on www.treecitiesoftheworld.org