Through our Trees for Reading initiative, we’re working to bring more urban trees to our town – Reading, Berkshire (UK).

Making Reading greener, healthier and happier

We developed and run the initiative working closely with Reading Borough Council and Reading Tree Wardens.

On their advice we’re focusing on planting substantial young trees (3-3.5 metres tall and 12-14cm around the trunk) in carefully chosen locations, which will make an immediate impact. We're aiming to plant 10% of the trees in the town centre and 50% in areas with low levels of canopy cover and high levels of deprivation, especially around schools. The remaining 40% will be planted elsewhere in the borough.

The council have committed to providing two years of care and maintenance, including watering, to maximise the chances of the trees surviving and thriving.

Our main aim is to encourage organisations to fund the planting and care of trees, helping to make Reading a better place to live and work, however we also welcome contributions from the local community to fund extra trees collectively.

Why urban trees?

Trees in towns and cities:

• improve air quality as well as locking away carbon
• help to cool the air in summer and absorb heavy rains
• create a haven for wildlife
• boost people’s mental and physical wellbeing

Let’s make Reading greener together!

To find out more, visit ethicalreading.org.uk/trees-for-reading.