Marvel at the Trees of Finsbury Park with Paul Wood

Event Information

Finsbury Park has many interesting mature trees, reflecting its long and varied history. There are old London Planes dating back to the park's establishment in 1869. There are even Oaks, Willows and Poplars that would have been part of the ancient Hornsey Woods on which site the park was established. More unusual trees have been planted in subsequent decades, and now the park boasts a fascinating and diverse tree canopy including one of the best Boxelders in London.

On this tour, we aim to identify some of the park’s most interesting trees and offer a route which we hope will encourage appreciation of the tree life in this park and the habitat they provide for invertebrates and birds.

Contributors

Friends of Finsbury Park

Friends of Finsbury Park are proud to be part of the Urban Tree Festival. We relish the chance to increase our education about the many trees that are loved by local residents and visiting birds alike! The park built on the location of old Hornsey Woods features oaks that perhaps pre-date the opening of the park in 1869. The London Planes planted by the Victorians are fabulous examples of the species and are 187 years old. The north side of the park is home to at least 22 species of bird including song and mistle thrush, greenfinch, green woodpeckers and chaffinches. They are attracted by the woodland nature of the north side of the park with its wide range of tree species planted in the early 20th century. We do hope you can join us for this informative walk in our historical park.

This walk is part of the Urban Tree Festival 2024 and is organised by Friends of Finsbury Park and funded by People need Parks.

@FinsParkFriends

Paul Wood

Paul Wood is an experienced guide and the author of 'London’s Street Trees', 'London Tree Walks' and 'London is a Forest'. Many people may have come across him on social media where he posts as @TheStreetTree.

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More from Paul Wood

Read more about Paul’s books, London’s Street Trees, London is a Forest, London Tree Walks, on his website www.thestreettree.com

Location

The start and end point for this walk is the Central Cafe by the Lake, Finsbury Park. 

The nearest tube and bus station is Finsbury Park Underground/Overground. Walk north through the park along the main carriageway and the cafe is close to the children's playground.

The walk will take approximately an hour and a half. All are welcome to this FREE tree exploration but tickets are limited to 30 people.