The thousandth tree planted in Waltham Forest since October 2017 went up this morning, outside Connaught School for Girls in Leytonstone.

In October 2017, Waltham Forest Council pledged to plant 1,200 trees across the borough during this year’s planting season in Waltham Forest.

Today has been described as a “key milestone” for the project.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “It’s really, really exciting, we’ve had such a great response seeing all the new trees going up across the borough.

“We’re very proud of our trees in Waltham Forest and we’re going to continue to do what we can to plant more and more trees because we know just how important they are to you.”

The project was launched on Wednesday, October 25 2017. On that day, Cllr Loakes and residents planted new trees by the reopened Heathcote Arms pub in Leytonstone and a young oak on the junction of Kingswood Road and Gainsborough Road.

At the time, Cllr Loakes said: “It’s been a great day joining the team as we plant new trees to benefit all our residents and visitors. This is part of the biggest tree-planting exercise in the history of Waltham Forest that will take us to over 50,000 trees – that’s the most trees we have ever had!

“We know that our residents love the street trees that brighten up our neighbourhoods and help to combat the air pollution issues that affect Waltham Forest and indeed the whole of London.

“This year is going to be great one for tree planting in Waltham Forest. So rejoice, look after your neighbourhood trees – let’s all make an effort to care for these wonderful additions to our neighbourhoods.”

Trees planted across the borough so far include magnolias and Himalayan birches, known for their durability, ability to soak up carbon monoxide, and ease of care.