School children from Deptford planting a tree for the Evelyn200 project. Pic: Anders Olesen

The first of 200 new trees were planted last week in Deptford Park with the help of 90 local school children as part of the Evelyn200 project, aimed at improving air quality in Evelyn Ward.

The event was attended by Councillor Joyce Jacca, Lewisham’s Champion for Air Quality Councillor Sophie McGeevor, Deptford Park School’s year four pupils and other local residents.

Evelyn Ward has the worst air pollution in Lewisham and the lowest number of trees. Evelyn200 is a project established by DeptfordFolk, a charter branch of The Woodland Trust, to plant 200 new trees in the area. So far, Evelyn200 has gathered over 55 trees for the project.

The Evelyn200 project is planting 200 trees in the ward. Pic: Anders Olesen

The first tree of the Evelyn200 was donated by Lewisham Green Scene and planted by Glendale Lewisham, who provide maintenance for Lewisham’s green spaces.

Lendlease, a development company building The Timberyard opposite Deptford Park, have financed 26 trees for the project. This provides every year group in Evelyn Ward schools the opportunity to plant a tree.

A study recently revealed the majority of London’s air quality does not meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, with Lewisham’s air pollution up to six times higher than WHO guidelines. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We should be ashamed that our young people, the next generation of Londoners, are being exposed to these tiny particles of toxic dust that are seriously damaging their lungs and shortening their life expectancy.”

Lewisham’s air pollution is up to six times higher than WHO guidelines. Pic: Anders Olesen

Find out more about the Evelyn200 project on their website.