During January 2026, Friendly Gardens welcomed an important boost to its green landscape with the planting of ten new trees, marking another positive step in the ongoing improvement of this much-loved community space.
The tree species planted were: Black Walnut, Japanese Pagoda, Sorbus thuringiaca, Magnolia, Judas tree, English Oak, Indian bean tree, American sweetgum and Maidenhair tree. A simple map on google can be found here showing species and location in the parks.
This achievement was made possible through a strong partnership between St Johns Society, Friends of Friendly Gardens, Lewisham Council, and Street Trees for Living (STfL).
Working together, these organisations combined local knowledge, volunteer effort, and environmental expertise to enhance the park for residents, visitors, and future generations to come. Tree planting plays a vital role in supporting urban biodiversity, improving air quality, providing shade, and creating a more welcoming environment for the community. The addition of these ten trees not only strengthens the ecological value of Friendly Gardens but also reflects the shared commitment of local groups and the council to invest in greener neighbourhood spaces.
The work completed forms part of a broader programme to upgrade and revitalise Friendly Gardens. Further improvements are already being planned, with more updates expected throughout 2026 as the project and identified funding streams continues to develop.
As the gardens continue to grow, so too does the need for enthusiastic local volunteers. Community members who are eager to get involved, whether through planting, maintenance, events, or helping to shape future plans are warmly encouraged to take part. Volunteer support is essential to ensuring Friendly Gardens remains a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable space for everyone.
The community’s continued involvement remains central to the success of Friendly Gardens, and new faces are always welcome. By working together, residents can help these new trees flourish and play a direct role in the future of this valued green space.
If you are interested in taking part, please send an email to greening@st-johns-soc.org and we will be in touch.
Thank you, Paul
