Hillier and Street Trees for Living, a charity based in Lewisham, have announced a new partnership focused on planting and caring for street trees across South London and beyond. The collaboration combines Hillier’s horticultural experience with Street Trees for Living’s community-led approach, creating a hands-on, people-powered model for greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

Street Trees for Living works closely with residents, schools, and community groups to plant and look after street trees. Volunteers, known as “tree guardians,” take responsibility for the trees in their streets, helping them thrive while learning practical skills and connecting with their neighbourhood. By working with Hillier, Street Trees for Living links this care with expert guidance on species selection, planting techniques, and long-term tree health. Together, they are creating a shared culture of stewardship that strengthens communities and the natural environment alike. Street Trees for Living will ensure, wherever possible, to use trees specified from Hillier, reflecting their values of sustainable growing practices and their professionalism in responsibly sourcing from an industry-leading, sustainable, and bio-secure British-grown tree nursery.

Hillier contributes over 160 years of experience growing high quality trees in the UK under strict standards of provenance, sustainability, and biosecurity. Through the partnership, Hillier and Street Trees for Living offer training, workshops, CPD sessions, and opportunities to visit Hillier’s nurseries, helping volunteers and guardians gain confidence and knowledge while nurturing their local trees.

Key benefits of the partnership include:

• More high-quality, sustainably grown street trees in local neighbourhoods
• Hands-on learning through workshops, planting demonstrations, and nursery visits
• Long-term guidance and on-site support to ensure trees flourish.

This collaboration is part of Hillier’s wider commitment to supporting community led greening initiatives across the UK. Each partnership reflects the unique needs and character of the communities involved.

Sophie McGeevor, Chair of Trustees, Street Trees for Living said: "We are thrilled to partner with Hillier, an organisation that shares our deep commitment to community stewardship and environmental responsibility. The quality of Hillier’s stock directly supports the success of our street trees and our 95% survival rate. By leveraging Hillier's trusted expertise and technical support, we'll provide valuable training and upskilling opportunities for our volunteers and guardians, strengthening our commitment to tree equity across the community."

For more information on Hillier Nurseries, visit www.hillier.co.uk. To find out more about Street Trees for Living, visit: https://www.streettreesforliving.org/