Tomorrow's Trees
At the heart of our historic garden stands a remarkable tree collection. With 192 trees representing 158 species, our trees are fundamental to the Garden’s biodiversity, climate resilience and the experience of every visitor.
Trees are powerful ‘ecosystem engineers’. They capture carbon, purify the air, store water, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and create vital shade and cooling for the neighbourhood.
In 2022, we declared a microclimate emergency in response to the growing threat climate change poses to our plant collection.
Trees grow slowly so we must act fast secure a resilient canopy that is fit for the future. By identifying and establishing species that can adapt and thrive in a changing climate (predicted to be ecologically similar to Barcelona by 2075), we can protect the Garden for generations to come.
We are seeking funding to commission expert arboriculture and ecological support to map and assess our tree collection, generate climate science data, and develop a long-term tree planting establishment programme. Together, this work will form a comprehensive ‘Tree Succession Plan’, guiding tomorrow’s tree canopy from the work we do today.
Our goals
Safeguard our current collection, for its scientific value and historic character
Improve our understanding of the condition of our trees and their ability to survive and thrive
Develop a future planting plan, which will integrate natural and climate-adapted non-invasive species
Increase the number of trees we care for that are of high conservation value
Share our learning, supporting future tree canopies for urban gardens
To find out more about the research we have conducted so far, read our Time to Talk Trees article or have a look at our full Treeconomics Report.
Donate to Tomorrow's Tree Fund
Our Tomorrow’s Trees Fund aims to raise £50,000 to support us to undertake initial research and conservation, commission expert advice, develop a planting and tree establishment plan for the future, and fund the purchase of new trees for the Garden.
Thanks to the support of the Garden’s friends and donors, we have launched the appeal having already raised £15,000 towards our target. Can you help us raise the remainder we need to protect our tree canopy?
Please donate today to support us to plant tomorrow’s trees.
If you would like to donate via cheque, through the Charities Aid Foundation, donor advised funds (DAFs) or via our US 501(c)(3) partner the Chapel and York US Foundation please contact . Thank you.
