Residents in Richmond and across the borough can now sponsor a new street tree as part of a scheme aimed at bringing more greenery to local neighbourhoods.

The national programme Trees for Streets has launched in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to fund the planting of trees on their streets or in local parks.

The initiative is co-founded by Trees for Cities and civic innovation group Start with Local and is being delivered locally in partnership with Richmond Council.

Through the scheme, people can suggest a location and sponsor a tree via the programme's website.

Neighbours can also club together through a crowdfunding platform to fund multiple trees in their area, while businesses can sponsor plantings as part of their community support efforts.

The process involves three steps. First, residents choose a proposed location and submit the request online.

The council then surveys the site to ensure it is suitable for planting.

If approved, a two-three metre tall tree will be planted during the next planting season, which runs between November and April.

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Organisers say the project comes at an important time, with tree cover in England among the lowest in Europe.

Urban trees can help tackle the effects of climate change by providing shade during hot weather and cooling the air through evapotranspiration. Their roots also absorb large amounts of water, helping reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall.

In addition to environmental benefits, street trees are known to support mental wellbeing, encourage outdoor activity and improve local biodiversity, while also making neighbourhoods more attractive places to live.

Carrie Hume, Programme Director at Trees for Streets, said: "Trees breathe life into our towns and cities. They transform neighbourhoods, bringing much needed green to our doorsteps, supporting our mental and physical wellbeing and boosting the biodiversity of our local environment.

"We are pleased to be working with Richmond Council to grow their urban forest and look forward to empowering residents and businesses to create greener, healthier communities."

Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, added: "Planting trees not only makes the borough greener and more beautiful but also boosts biodiversity and helps us respond to the challenges of a changing climate – benefitting all residents.

"This new sponsorship scheme builds on the ambitions set out in the Trees for Richmond strategy and supports the significant progress we've already made across the borough."

Residents who would like to take part can sponsor a tree through the Trees for Streets website here.

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