TREES 4 GRENFELL

Trees dedicated to the Grenfell community, local schools, fire fighters, and other emergency services.

The project started with our first tree planting event on the Anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire at the Maxilla Grenfell Memorial Gardens – rejuvenated and maintained by Just Solutions 123… community volunteers. On June 14th 2018, the planting of a time capsule with two pink Magnolia Trees and five African lilies was carried out with Clarrey Mendes, family members, survivors and friends of the deceased. he tree was planted with the cooperation and support of Westway Trust that manages the 23 acres of Community land that corresponds with the A40 Westway, Maxilla Gardens became the first Grenfell Memorial Garden because it was where the despondent survivors went to search for missing family and friends in the immediate aftermath of the fire; makeshift furniture and artwork sprung up overnight.

The Trees: Survivors of Grenfell fire and the RBKC community form very diverse ethnic groups. Where possible, tree choices will reflect these backgrounds as will the place chosen to plant the trees and their groupings. Maintenance of new trees by families and friends of victims will be encouraged, supplemented when not possible or appropriate by maintenance from volunteers or organisations. Opportunities to ‘adopt’ trees will be provided, including pre-existing trees in the vicinity of the tower. We will consult with and secure the help of established tree experts including tree officers in The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the London Tree Officers Association and tree charities including Trees for Cities and The Woodland Trust regarding locations, planting, tree choice and maintenance of trees. Trees will be selected that support local tree planting strategies where these exist and that address local policies including biodiversity, climate change and pollution.