The 2025 Urban Tree Festival

Saturday 10th May

4.30am - Dawn Chorus Walks in Central Park, Plymouth - Also on Sunday, 11th May
Experience the symphony of bird songs as the new day emerges in Central Park.

10.30am - 12.00noon - Guided Walk: 'Woody': the Story of London's Most Famous Tree, London
Twice: Sat May 10th & Sat May 17th
Explore the story of London's historic plane tree and its relationship with its urban surroundings. Also on Saturday, 17th May.

11.00am - 12.00noon - Tree Life: A Guided Creative Walk in Castle Bromwich, West Midlands
A walk around Castle Bromwich Parkland focusing on the Black Pines and Oak trees through creative engagement.

11.00am - An Introduction to Tree Protection and Enforcement Join Tom Reidman, Tree Officer Leeds, for this in person presentation and discussion about legal protection of trees, specifically under the Town and Country Planning Act.

2.00pm - 4.00pm - Discovering the Magic of Trees: Through Games, Nature-Art and Mindfulness, London A joyful and family-friendly experience for all ages. Through hands-on activities, games, nature-inspired art and mindfulness, we’ll explore the magical ways we connect with trees and the natural world.

6.00pm - 8.00pm - William Blake Estate Urban Ecology Walk - UTF Funded Event
For residents of William Blake Estate, join Walk Leaders Charlie Fox from InspiralLondon and artist Rachel Gomme on a gentle Urban Ecology and Tree Walk, exploring the vital role trees play within the urban environment. Celebrating street trees found within the William Blake Estate.

6.00pm - 7.30pm - Witches of Epping Forest: a Walk with Dark Tales & Sinister Historical Facts - Also on Saturday 17th We invite you for a walk in Epping Forest with Kamila Wielebska, art historian, actress and comedian. Dark tales and sinister historical facts included!

Sunday 11th May

4.30am - Dawn Chorus Walks in Central Park, Plymouth - Also on Saturday 10th May
Experience the symphony of bird songs as the new day emerges in Central Park.

11.00am - 13.00pm - City Mulberry Trail: From Bank to Blackfriars, London
Trace London's history through its mulberry trees with expert guidance.

11.00am - 12.30am - Urban Trees for Food Sovereignty: Tree Walk in Leytonstone, London
Join us for a guided walk celebrating the ecological and cultural diversity of trees in and around Langthorne Park in Leytonstone.

12.00noon - Free Tree Distribution with Wakefield District, On-line Presentation
An online presentation with Roger Parkinson BEM showing how they successfully supplied thousands of trees for peoples gardens and larger plots of land.

2.00pm - 3.30pm - Southwark Park Tree Walk with Paul Wood, London
Join Paul Wood on this guided walk, a chance to explore the nineteenth century landscape, including the many fine London plane trees in the park. We shall discover some interesting tree species and visit the Ada Salter Garden.

2.00pm - 4.00pm - Working Party! @ Hendon Tiny Orchard, London
An artist-led event exploring volunteer culture in the conservation sector. Combines conversation, zine-making and par-tea & cake whilst we help build Hendon’s teeny new community garden!

2.00pm - 4.00pm - Free Tree Drawing Workshop in Camberwell, London Another session in the popular series as we celebrate Camberwell’s remarkable trees through an afternoon of guided drawing. This time we are back in Brunswick Park.

Monday 12th May

11.00am - Trees in Kew Gardens’ Library and Archives, London
Kew Gardens’ Archives and Illustrations teams will host show and tell sessions relating to themes of colonialism and deforestation, historic uses of trees, and the role of trees in cities.

11.00am to 12noon - ParkBathe in MHA The Wilderness (All Mobilities Welcome) Croydon, London
Discover mindful connection in nature, guided for low mobility individuals.

11.00am - 12.00noon - Planting more urban trees - what we've learned through four years of action research, Webinar
Join The Tree Council to explore findings from the Trees Outside Woodland project, highlighting Miyawaki mini forests, pilot tree schemes, and community nurseries as innovative ways to boost urban tree cover and engagement.

6.00pm - Learn How to Set Up Your Own Community Orchard Workshop, Leeds
Gain key insights to establish your own community orchard and see real-life projects.

Tuesday 13th May

10.00am - 12.00noon - Tree Glee: Forest Bathing in Hampstead Heath, London - Also on Thursday 15th May Experience mindful movement, sensory exercises, and walking meditation in Hampstead Heath.

10.30am - Leeds City Centre Trees: A Tour, Leeds
Join Prof. Alan Simson on a walking tour exploring some of the key trees rooted within Leeds City Centre. With insight into how urban trees shape the city’s identity, soften its architecture, and connect people to nature amidst the bustle of a metropolitan landscape.

10.30am – 11.15am - Slow Mindful Tree Walk -
UTF Funded Event For residents of City of London - Take a gentle stroll with Age UK City of London and cultural historian Chris Schüler author of ‘The Wood That Built London’ as we explore local trees through mindful walking. A peaceful start to your day with time to chat and connect afterwards over coffee.

11.00am - Nature Walk - Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
An exclusive walk exploring the role of trees in a healthcare setting.

11.30am - Wembley Park Walkabout, London
Discover urban tree planting and maintenance challenges on a grand scale in Wembley Park, on this popular walk and talk with Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design at Quintain.

1.00pm - 2.20pm - Community Driven Treescapes, Webinar Mobilising local communities to deliver better tree connectivity, with Phil Paulo from CPRE London.

3.30pm - Cosy Club: Bromford Trees Old and New - Walk & Creative Activities, Birmingham
Exploring trees outside The Hub, on the Bromford Estate. Learn how to care for the newly planted trees and be inspired by some of the older trees. Creative fun for primary school aged families.

6.00pm - 7.00pm - Trees in Art & Landscape - with The Tree Council & Dulwich Picture Gallery, Webinar
The Tree Council, in collaboration with Dulwich Picture Gallery and The Tree Art Gallery, host this webinar discussing the role of trees in physical landscapes, alongside a curated presentation of artworks depicting trees.

Wednesday 14th May

10.00am - Trees for Wellbeing Walk at Gateshead Riverside Park, Gateshead
Experience mindfulness and nature connection in urban green spaces.

11.00am - 12.00noon - Guided tours of the Hackney Community Tree Nursery by the Tree Musketeers
Tours will run 14th, 16th & 17th May
The tours will be led by three experienced tree nursery volunteers: Marcelo White, Arboriculturalist at LB Islington; Christine Kings, Chair of the Tree Musketeers; and Neil Sinden, Trustee of the Tree Musketeers.

11.30am - Tour of the Lesnes Abbey Arboretum, London - Also on Saturday, 17th May
A walk focussing on the area known as the arboretum, which was specifically planted with a selection of rare native trees as well as globally sourced exotics.

1.00pm - 2.00pm - Chat with Trees and Design an Urban Treescape, Webinar
Urban trees clean our air, support biodiversity, and contribute to community well-being. Join our webinar to explore innovative tools from the Branching Out project, including AI based project "Chat with Trees" and the "Mobile Treescapes Game."

1.00pm - Accessible Guided Tree Walk in Kennington Park, London
Learn to identify trees in Kennington Park in this inclusive event for all.

2.00pm - Lesnes Abbey Woodland Walk, London - Also on Saturday 19th May
Join the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods for a guided walk through ancient woodlands along a gravel escarpment. Best known for its chestnut trees, the area also features a rich mix of hazel, birch, oak, and field maple.

6.00pm - 8.00pm - Holloway Estate Mindful Tree Walkshop - UTF Funded Event
Clare Barry from Urban Curiosity invites you to a relaxed and fun gathering on the estate, guiding you through Forest Bathing and creative activities inspired by the natural world via mindfulness, gentle movement and creative prompts.

Thursday 15th May

9.00am - Introduction to Green Wood Working
Join us in Eccup for a one-day green woodworking workshop, where you'll learn basic techniques, use tools like the drawknife and axe, create a stool and spatula to take home, and enjoy tea and cake.

10.00am - 12.00noon - Tree Glee: Forest Bathing in Hampstead Heath, London - Also on Tuesday 13th May Experience mindful movement, sensory exercises, and walking meditation in Hampstead Heath.

10.30am - 3.30pm - Foraging Walk for City Women - UTF Funded Event UTF and Age UK City of London are hosting a coach trip to Sydenham Hill Woods with local women’s groups, including the Bangladeshi community. Urban forager Theresa Webb of Kitchen Buddy will guide participants in reconnecting with nature and traditional food knowledge.

12.00noon - 1.00pm - Rooted in Story – Rediscovering Our Connection with Trees, Webinar with Woodland Trust We explore how storytelling—rooted in memory, not facts—can reconnect us to the urban forest, inspiring communities, shaping identity, and bridging the gap between where trees are needed and where they are wanted.

Time TBC - Roots & Rebellion: Mindful Art & Zine-Making, Plumstead, London
Explore creativity and rebellious spirit through DIY zine-making, with Urban Curiosity, reflecting on trees' connection to people and places.

Friday 16th May

9.00am to 12.00noon- Introduction to Green Wood Work, Leeds
Learn green wood techniques and make craft items in Eccup's woodland workshop.

10.00am - 4.00pm - Fruit Tree Nursery Volunteer Day, Leeds Join us for a day at our fruit tree nursery where we propagate and grow 1000 fruit trees every year. Tasks will include wedding, mulching, watering, compost making, potting baby trees and making organic liquid plant feed. Complete with a vegan homemade lunch!

11.00am -12.30pm - City Tree Walk - Trees of Caledonian Park - UTF Funded Event Join Age UK City of London and Phil Paulo Director of London Tree Ring (CPRE London) open to all, this relaxed walk guides us through the trees of Caledonian Park and surrounding streets, talking about urban tree selection for seasonal interest and climate resilience.

11.00am - 12.00noon - Guided tours of the Hackney Community Tree Nursery by the Tree Musketeers
Tours will run 14th, 16th & 17th May
The tours will be led by three experienced tree nursery volunteers: Marcelo White, Arboriculturalist at LB Islington; Christine Kings, Chair of the Tree Musketeers; and Neil Sinden, Trustee of the Tree Musketeers.

12.00noon to 2.00pm - Urban Labor-a-Tree – growing York’s treescape, University of York
Session 1 - Experience the complexities of urban greening through a collaborative treescapes board game.  Two sessions today.

12.00noon - Mapping social and cultural values of trees and more … with Citizen Science, Webinar
We discuss the broader social and cultural values of urban trees and demonstrate how to use Treezilla.org to engage communities in mapping and monitoring urban forests.

2.30pm to 4.30pm - Urban Labor-a-Tree – growing York’s treescape, University of York
Session 2 - Experience the complexities of urban greening through a collaborative treescapes board game.  Two sessions today.

Saturday 17th May

Our jam-packed final Saturday has something for everyone, plus more info coming soon on Tree Musketeers Family Open Day!

10.00am - Forest / Muddy Yoga, Hampstead, London
(Mid-Saturday each month.) Engage in forest yoga, mindfulness, and sound bath sessions in Hampstead Heath.  

10.00am - Blossom Trail at the Peace Orchard, Coventry The Peace Orchard was created by WW11 veteran Dennis Davison in 2014 and is his legacy and reminder of why peace is so important. Open every day and visitors are welcome to wander.

10.30am - 12.00noon - Guided Walk: 'Woody': the Story of London's Most Famous Tree, London
Twice: Sat May 10th & Sat May 17th
Discover the intriguing history of London's ancient plane tree in a guided tour. (Also on Saturday, 10th May.)

10.30am - Tree Life : a guided creative walk on Hodge Hill Common, Solihull
The walkshop at Hodge Hill Common invites participants of all ages to explore local habitats and folklore, while creatively contributing to plans for an urban orchard.

2.00pm - Guided tours of the Hackney Community Tree Nursery by the Tree Musketeers -
Tours will run 14th, 16th & 17th May
The tours will be led by three experienced tree nursery volunteers: Marcelo White, Arboriculturalist at LB Islington; Christine Kings, Chair of the Tree Musketeers; and Neil Sinden, Trustee of the Tree Musketeers

11:00am - What’s Blooming in Bloomsbury Square? A Tree Hugger’s Trail, London
Join Gerit Quealy, author of Botanical Shakespeare, and UTF’s Paul Wood, aka The Street Tree, for a Shakespeare tree walk in Bloomsbury Square, joined by the Friends of Bloomsbury Square. The walk ends at the Cordon Bleu café in Pied Bull Yard.

11.00am - Epping Forest Family Walk with Black Girls Hike, London Join us for this collaboration between Black Girls Hike, Epping Forest Heritage Trust and The Hive, returning for the 3rd year during the Urban Tree Festival!

11.00am - 3.00pm - Spring Open Day, Hastings
Come along and find out about Ore Community Land Trust, volunteering opportunities, plant sale, refreshments and a tour of Speckled Wood.

11.00am - Re-Birth Participatory Photography Workshop, London
Collaborative community art activity in St Ann’s Green Spaces, focusing on memory and connection to trees.

11.30am - Tour of the Lesnes Abbey Arboretum, London
Learn about native and exotic trees in Lesnes Abbey Woods' arboretum.  (Also on Wednesday, 14th May.)

12.00noon - Orchard Fruit Day, Leeds
Join the LS14 Trust for Orchard Fruit Day, a celebration of their newly restored community orchard. This hands-on event is part of a larger project supported by local volunteers who have been working to restore an abandoned orchard in Killingbeck.

12.00noon to 3.00 - The Zephaniah Forest Tree Walk, Birmingham
Birmingham TreePeople have recently finished planting The Zephaniah Forest, with partners the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group, and we invite everyone to visit Burbury Park to see this legacy for Benjamin Zephaniah

2.00pm - Lesnes Abbey Woodland Walk, London - Also on Wednesday 14th May
Join the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods for a guided walk through ancient woodlands along a gravel escarpment. Best known for its chestnut trees, the area also features a rich mix of hazel, birch, oak, and field maple.

6.00pm - 7.30pm - Witches of Epping Forest: a Walk with Dark Tales & Sinister Historical Facts - Also on Saturday 10th We invite you for a walk in Epping Forest with Kamila Wielebska, art historian, actress and comedian. Dark tales and sinister historical facts included!

6.30pm - Art of Climbing Trees Theatrical Book Launch & Exhibition Party, Bristol
Dive into a theatrical celebration of the book “Art of Climbing Trees,” blending art, history, and ecological insights.

Sunday 18th May

11.00am - Parkbathe Stroll in Priory Gardens, Orpington, London
ParkBathe uses aspects of 'forest bathing', forest school and mindfulness and involves walking slowly in a local green space whilst noticing our surroundings (no water is involved!)

11.00am – 2.00pm - Headingley Community Orchard Community Picnic, Leeds Headingley Development Trust invites residents and visitors alike to join them for a community picnic in Headingley’s Community Orchard.

11.30am - Discover Trees in Epping Forest
Two walks: 11:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Join Francis Castro to explore the vital role of trees in Epping Forest and learn about ongoing conservation efforts during Highams Park Spring Festival.

1.00pm - The Trees in Myatt's Fields Park, London
Learn about the trees of Myatt’s Fields Park with volunteer gardener John.

1.45pm - Tree Connections: Workshop and Walk on Hampstead Heath, London
Connect to the significance of trees through a workshop and walk, drawing on the importance of the natural world in many world religions, concluding with hot drinks at Hampstead Heath.

2.00pm - Plane Spotting with Linett Kamala & Sam Furness, London
Discover London's Plane trees and their cultural importance on a guided tour around Kilburn Park.

2.00pm-3.00pm - Tree Hunting with Paul Wood, London
Paul talks about his new book, ‘Tree Hunting’ at the Dulwich Festival.

5.00pm(TBC) - Tree Stories. A screening at the Garden Cinema – The Felling with speakers Sarah Vachon, Gerit Quealy & more!
Join us at The Garden Cinema, near Covent Garden & Bloomsbury, for a gathering on saving urban trees, featuring ‘The Felling’, a shocking documentary on Sheffield’s tree battle, plus expert talks, tree stories, and special treats!

6.00pm(TBC) Tim Stead Magician with Wood - Film, Imagine Leeds
Join us for a showing of this film by Tim Stead, with an introduction from Leeds Coppice Workers.