History of the Great Trees of London project

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"My personal favourite is not one tree but the fabulously impressive line of them that line the embankment between Albert and Chelsea bridges that I pass every day on my way to work…seeing the sun glinting through on a gorgeous summer’s morning is a wondrous sight!”"

Dr Fox, DJ

History of the Great Trees of London project

The Great Trees of London project was developed to celebrate and bring to the public's attention the importance and uniqueness of London's tree heritage. The project marked the 10th anniversary of the 1987 storms that damaged so many of London’s largest and oldest trees.

The original project was an initiative of the London Tree Forum and supported by The Countryside Commission.

The first 11 Great Trees of London were chosen by a public nominations campaign in the Spring of 1997 and included the Hybrid Strawberry Tree of Battersea Park and a 320-year-old Sweet Chestnut tree on a street in Sutton.

A further 10 trees were then nominated - all of the current Great Trees of London can be viewed here.