Cities across the world have official trees, why not London? After all, this is a city which is nearly 50% green space. That fact should be affirmed, in order to promote London's civic identity.

The plane tree (Platanus x hispanicais) is the most prevalent tree in London, having been discovered in the 17th century and widely planted in the 18th. Stately in appearance, they can grow up to 35 metres in height and can live for several hundred years. Amongst the most efficient trees in removing small particulate pollutants in urban areas, and adaptable to urban conditions, the Victorians planted it extensively to combat smog-laden impurities. Thought to be a cross between an Oriental plane and the American sycamore, it was named after the city where it originated. This majestic plane is the perfect symbol for London.

Located in Hackney, the Happy Man Tree was planted on the public pavement around 1870, where Woodberry Grove meets Seven Sisters Road. At roughly 150 years old, it represents an excellent example of the London plane. It was retained when the area made the transition from large private houses to the Woodberry Down Estate. The name derives from the adjacent Happy Man pub (recently demolished). Tragically, the tree was felled by Berkeley Homes on 5th January 2021. The Happy Man Tree plane tree, winner of the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year 2020, is the ideal candidate to become the official London tree.

Through this petition, the name of the Happy Man Tree and its richly deserved award can live on. What better way to promote London's civic identity than to make the Happy Man Tree a focus for school eco-studies?

Please sign the petition to urge Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to make the Happy Man Tree London's official tree. A unique tree for a unique city.

#happymantree4london