Olympic Park trees will ‘future proof’ against climate change

The trees, which will form the backbone of the largest urban park to be built in the UK for over a century, are predominantly native species such as ash, alder, willow, birch, hazel, cherry, poplar, London plane and lime. They have been selected to provide shelter from wind and sunshine across the park, as well as withstand flooding in river areas.

The four to seven metre-high trees, which will be planted over the following three winters, are being grown by award-winning Hampshire-based Hilliers Nurseries. It is thought the 2,000 trees will form the largest one-off planting of its kind in the capital.

Viewing first-hand the rows of Olympic Park trees in Hampshire, yesterday, Olympic Delivery Authority chairman John Armitt said: “We are not only planting trees that will look fantastic and reflect the traditions of great British parks, but also create habitats for wildlife and help ‘future proof’ against the impacts of climate change on the park and surrounding communities.”

Trees are important in the fight against climate change because of their ability to remove C02 from the atmosphere and green space in urban areas is thought to be key to adapting to climate change.

Research has already shown that an increase of 10 per cent in urban green cover would be enough to keep temperature close to current levels, even accounting for the increases predicted by climate modellers.

Over the next three years suppliers will be sought for thousands of younger woodland trees, shrubs and other plants for the Olympic Park.