Rowan Arts - Exploring Islington's Trees

From wingnut to willow, from poplar to plane, the streets of Islington support a fascinating variety of tree species. This walk links some of the best of them. It also uncovers their hidden stories; how they got their names, their folklore, their origins, and how they have been used across the ages. Along the way we will be looking at the wildlife which they help to support -and their other environmental benefits -and considering the future for London's street trees.

Bob Gilbert is chair of the environmental charity The Garden Classroom. His varied career has included Director of Greenspace and Leisure at Islington Council where, among other things, he was responsible for the Borough's Tree Service. He also writes and broadcasts on environmental subjects, especially the ecology of urban areas. His latest book, a complete revision of The Green London Way, a 110 mile exploration of London's natural and social history and of the connections between the two, was published in May.