Launching Tree Trails and Pollinator Pathways
7.6km of Tree Trails and Pollinator Pathways to be created across Islington
A new project, Tree Trails and Pollinator Pathways, is set to transform streets, parks and neighbourhoods in north Islington through the creation of 7.6 kilometres of Tree Trails and Pollinator Pathways, connecting residents with nature while tackling climate and biodiversity challenges.
Led by Octopus Community Network and with £198,000 of funding from the Mayor of London’s Green Roots programme, the project brings together residents, community organisations, local businesses, Islington Council and the National Trust to create a network of greener, healthier and more connected spaces across the wards of Arsenal, Finsbury Park, Junction and Tufnell Park.
Over two years, the project will deliver 12 depaving schemes, which will see areas of hard paving being lifted plus 51 new trees with mini ‘tree pit’ gardens around their base containing pollinator-friendly planting. These will enable the creation of vibrant green routes that will link parks, schools, community centres, housing estates, orchards and town centres. By working together, the initiative will improve biodiversity, reduce heat and flood risk, and make nature a visible part of everyday life.
The project builds on the community-led Nature Neighbourhoods Plan developed by Octopus as part of the Nature Neighbourhoods initiative and will strengthen four local community hubs as "Nature Anchors", enabling resident to play a leading role in shaping and caring for their neighbourhoods. The nature anchors include Hilldrop Community Association, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Whittington Park Community Association and the Octopus Community Plant Nursery in Tufnell Park.
Julie Parish, Development Manager from lead partner, Octopus Community Network said:
"Through this work, we are coming together with a shared purpose - every tree and mini-garden planted, by and for the community, is an investment in a healthier, more vibrant neighbourhood. Together, we're creating spaces where nature and people can thrive, inspiring everyone to take action on the street and estate where they live."
Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Islington Council said:
“Working with communities we are helping to bring nature back to our streets while making them shadier and more welcoming. This project will support pollinators and local people alike; seeing nature not just in parks but on our doorstep can bring such joy and has a positive impact on people’s wellbeing”
Amy Rogers, Project Manager, The National Trust:
"Communities are at the heart of creating thriving neighbourhoods for people and nature. We are delighted to collaborate with local partners to turn community ideas into lasting environmental action."
The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, said:
"This project is a great example of how local communities can play a leading role in creating greener, healthier neighbourhoods. By planting new trees, creating plant corridors and replacing concrete with thriving green spaces, this scheme will help keep London cool and improve biodiversity whilst making nature part of everyday life for thousands of Islington residents.
"Through the Mayor’s £12 million Green Roots Fund, we are supporting community-led projects like this across London that empower people to transform their local environment, as we continue to build a greener, fairer and more resilient London for everyone."
The project will run until spring 2028 and will encourage community-led environmental action with opportunities for residents to come together for planting days, to conduct biodiversity surveys, lead and take part in guided nature walks and environmental skills-building workshops.
There will also be volunteering opportunities which will be coordinated through Octopus Community Network and the project's ‘Nature Anchors’. The project is expected to engage more than 4,300 local residents, involve 100 volunteers, and deliver a wide-ranging programme of community activities, training and environmental improvements that will leave a lasting legacy for people and nature in Islington.
This project is part of a wider collaboration between Octopus Community Network, Islington Council and the National Trust. Its shared vision is to make action for nature and climate part of everyday life by empowering and enabling community involvement in green solutions where people live. It will build on previous development work to pilot the delivery of Islington's first 'Nature Neighbourhood' in the north of the borough and if successful, will create a blueprint for wider delivery