We are not “tree huggers” but we do love trees, for we feel that they contribute more to our urban neighbourhoods than they detract.  Urban trees are a hardy bunch, able to absorb not only natural hazards, but also man-made pollutants, restoring the quality of air we breathe, and providing habitat for many species of wildlife.  Many trees have witnessed significant changes to their surroundings, so as our cities expand, some trees are threatened by development, others are planted to create new vistas, shade and shelter.

For several years, we have been getting people to share their knowledge and stories about trees, and more recently, with the help of urban naturalist, photographer and writer Peter Coles, we went ‘stalking trees’ to discover more about individual species and specimen, and how they can be photographed in different seasons.

Peter Coles is the curator of Morus Londinium a fascinating map and website that lets you delve into the history of mulberry trees. Peter was one of the 4 co-founders of the Urban Tree Festival and still offers walks during the annual festival each May.

Trees we have already stalked:

• Stalking the Fulham Holm Oak (Spring)
• Stalking the Fulham Holm Oak (Winter)
• Stalking the Hardy Ash (Spring)
• Stalking the Hardy Ash – National Tree Week (Winter)
• Stalking the Hardy Ash – up the Fleet River
• Stalking the Native Black Poplar
• Stalking Elms in Marylebone, Mayfair, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
• Stalking Trees in Highgate Woods
• Stalking Trees – Beating the Bounds

Mulberry walks we have undertaken:

• Stalking Trees: Migrants, mulberries and silk weavers – A walk around Spitalfields
• Stalking the City’s Mulberries
• Stalking the East End Mulberries