Our arboricultural strategy for this grade I site means a new direction and a once in a lifetime investment for replanting, establishment and managment. Since its creation in 1840s as the first of the designed London cemeteries much of its designed tree cover is lost due to age, heavy clay soil and waterlogging. The remaining significant avenues are suffering as they reach veteran status or over maturity, accelerated by climate change and limited budgets for sensitive tree surgery.

In response to the dual challenge of costly tree surgery and the expense of establishing new trees, we have devised a comprehensive strategy. It mitigate the impact of the adjacent 30 story development as the strategy provides both a planting design with a 12 year programme encompassing tree surgery, planting and establishment. We’ve integrated research, design, costs and arboricultural expertise. We’ve integrated planting trials to ensure the species chosen can thrive in the adverse conditions - now exacerbated by climate change. The solution has been welcomed by Historic England, Friends Group and the planners. The strategy allows the cemetery to embark on a new chapter, balancing and improving both heritage and habitat with forward-thinking landscape management.