Westminster
Tree
Trust
was
founded
in
1982
as
a
charity
dedicated
to
improving
the
environment
in
Westminster.
The
Trust
raises
funds
in
a
variety
of
ways
and
puts
the
money
towards
planting
trees,
shrubs
and
hanging
flower
baskets.
This
regular
annual
planting
programme
helps
keep
Westminster
as
one
of
the
greenest
and
most
beautiful
areas
in
London.
The
Trust's
members
work
together
to
ensure
that
the
pleasure
we
derive
from
the
trees
of
our
forebears
is
passed
on
and
enhanced,
for
the
enjoyment
of
succeeding
generations
-
not
only
for
aesthetic
reasons,
but
also
because
of
the
vital
part
trees
play
in
improving
air
quality,
providing shade to pedestrians and reducing street noise, especially that of traffic.
Trees
can
be
sponsored
by
individuals,
residents'
associations,
amenity
groups,
businesses
or
indeed
any
group
of
well
wishers.
And
if
a
sponsor
would
like
a
commemorative
plaque
next
to
a
tree,
that
can
also
be
arranged.
In
recent
years
the
Trust
has
received
a
number
of
generous
donations
from
commercial
organisations
as
part
of
their
CSRs
(Corporate
Social
Responsibility).
Sites
are
found
and
investigated
by
experts
from
Westminster
City
Council,
whom The Trust commissions to carry out planting and maintenance of the trees.
The
Trustees
themselves
help
in
the
process
by
searching
around
Westminster
for
suitable
sites
and
consider
all
applications
for
plantings.
Such
sites
include
housing
estates,
schools,
residential
and
commercial
streets,
etc.
Suggestions
for
plantings
are
always
welcome,
especially
in
less
affluent
areas.
Friends
of
the
Trust
are
regularly
invited
to
fund
raising
events
organised
to
help
finance
the
work.
All
money
raised
goes
directly
to
plantings,
because
the
work
of
the
Trustees
is
entirely
voluntary.