The first tree was planted outside Minet Library, in Myatts Field, to mark the start of the tree planting season and to pay tribute to former Brixton resident Mr Zephaniah who died in December last year.
The event was organised by the council’s tree planting team and colleagues in the library service. They were joined by pupils from Loughborough Primary School who recited poems by Mr Zephaniah.
The council is planning to plant more than 1,700 between now and April 2025 in parks, in housing estates and in local streets to make Lambeth more sustainable.
It comes after Lambeth Council planted 1,717 trees last winter, with a further 30 added by Wild Clapham and the Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee.
The council has adopted its Lambeth Urban Forest Strategy 2023-2030 that outlines its commitments to increasing canopy cover, promoting biodiversity and climate resilience.
The strategy has been vital to the success of the council’s tree planting programme as it works towards its ultimate goal of more than 5,000 new trees by 2026.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “I am delighted that we have marked the start of tree planting season with the first sapling going in the ground, dedicated to the memory of Benjamin Zephaniah who has inspired so many.
“Increasing the amount of tree cover in Lambeth is vital as they provide both shade and shelter, as well as adding to the biodiversity of our borough. This year we have set an ambitious target to plant up to 2,100 new trees by the Spring and focus on areas that currently do not have enough tree cover.
“We need to build on the success of last year’s planting season where our tree team and contractors worked tirelessly in all weather conditions to establish so many new trees that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
