Communi-trees
Establishing Camden’s first fruit orchards
A grassroots climate action project, we’re working directly with local estates to plant trees and fruit orchards, to create greener, healthier environments.
Communi-trees
Establishing Camden’s first fruit orchards
A grassroots climate action project, we’re working directly with local estates to plant trees and fruit orchards, to create greener, healthier environments.
What we got up to
A climate action project, Communi-trees connects local residents with nature, acting as a springboard for climate action while simultaneously greening the borough, enriching biodiversity, improving health and wellbeing, and alleviating the impacts of climate change.
A flagship KOKO Foundation project in partnership with Think & Do and Camden County Council, we have established self-governed mini forests across ten local estates, including two orchards.
As well as the many ecological benefits, at the heart of this project is an opportunity to educate and inspire others to become custodians of our planet. For each of our Communi-trees sites, we appoint local young people ‘the KOKO Foresters’ who are trained and paid for maintaining the trees.
The initiative has already gained recognition from the Mayor of London, with the program being highlighted as a case study in the Urban Forest Partnership, 2024.
Breaking ground…
In 2022 the KOKO Foundation sponsored the launch of Communi-trees, planting 20 mature trees across two estates. The first two KOKO Foresters were appointed. In 2023, 70 more Communi-trees were planted at six more estates. 13 more KOKO Foresters were appointed to ensure they continue to thrive.
Camden’s first orchards…
In 2023 together with Think & Do and Camden Council Green Spaces, we co-designed and delivered a pioneering orchard project.
A total of 82 trees have been planted across two estates, including apple, pear and plum (selected by the residents), and hawthorns which provide habitats and support over 300 types of insect. A new ‘relaxed mow’ system has been implemented to encourage wildflowers and increase further biodiversity in the orchards, which will be maintained by newly appointed KOKO Foresters.
Taking root…
The power of Communi-trees stretches far beyond the borough, and we’re only just getting started! We have plans to establish three more orchards in autumn 2024, and recruit 20 more KOKO Foresters.
Find our self-governed forests throughout the borough:
- Peckwater Estate, NW5
- Goldington Estate, NW1
- Templar House, NW2
- Maitland Park Estate, NW3
- Bayham Estate, NW1
- Regents park Estate, NW1
- Bourne Estate, EC1N
- Clarence Way, NW1
