From our local streets to the world’s forests
At Sustainable Thornton Heath, trees are close to our hearts, and this Spring we’re joining the international forest movement to show them some love.
We run Eco Living Fest and Repair parties each month, supporting local people to live sustainably and build our community at the same time.
On #InternationalForestDay we’re taking action to join our local sustainable initiatives, to the global movement to protect trees.
Why it matters
– Forests are home to 80% of all of the land biodiversity on Earth.
– A single mature oak tree supports more than 2,300 different species of invertebrates, birds, mammals and fungi.
– Earth’s trees absorb 12–18% of the world’s carbon emissions — equivalent to all CO₂ from global transport.
– City trees reduce urban heat by 2°C to 8°C through canopy shade and the cooling effect of transpiration.
Yet, we’re losing forests the size of England every single year — driving both the biodiversity collapse and the climate crisis.
Show local trees your support this Spring
This year’s International Forest Day falls at Spring equinox, and we’re hoping our community can be part of it.
Find a local tree you love, take a photo of it in its Spring glory, and share it on social media with #InternationalForestDay. Let’s put our local trees on the map!
And what about becoming a watering champion to keep them blooming? Trees for Streets is the national tree sponsorship platform.
Sign up directly to support the care of newly planted street trees in your
neighbourhood.
Want to do more?
If this has sparked something in you, there are some brilliant local
and national projects that would be grateful for your help.
Get your hands dirty with The Conservation Volunteers
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Croydon runs practical volunteering sessions every Wednesday and Thursday — and some weekends — in parks and woodlands in and around Croydon. It’s a great way to get outdoors, meet people, and make a real difference.
Find other local green groups in Croydon’s nature
conservation directory
Help protect the ancient Great North Wood
Did you know there’s an ancient woodland stretching across South London, right on our doorstep? The Great North Wood project needs volunteers for tree surveys and tree ID sessions.
Email sbtoon@wildlondon.org.uk to find out more.
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/great-north-wood
mailto:sbtoon@wildlondon.org.uk
Help build an M25 — of trees!
CPRE London has an inspiring vision: a ring of woodland right around the capital, connecting nature, opening up green spaces, and helping tackle climate change. Find out how you can support it and help make it happen.
Ancient Forest is our legacy
Did you know Thornton Heath was
built on an ancient forest? The Great North Wood once covered North Surrey, fuelling London and building Tudor ships — and is still alive to explore in our local green spaces – Grangewood Park, Beaulieu Heights
and Biggin Wood.
Learn more and enjoy our ancient
woodlands
say hello at our Eco Living Fest on Saturday 21 st March!
Join plant expert Roy Vickery for a
fascinating workshop where you’ll
learn to identify common plants
growing all around us and discover how many of today’s weeds were once valued as important resources
— and might be again in the future.
