Trees for Cities has opened for its annual initiative in Battersea Park, taking place this year on Saturday 20 September. In the triathlon spirit there will be three elements to each Tree-Athlon – a 5km race, plant a tree, and an urban tree wish. The charity aims to raise enough money to support another 15 urban greening schemes ranging from woodlands and community gardens to street trees, both in the UK and internationally.

The Tree-Athlon has already attracted support from a number of high-profile people including Alistair McGowan, TV garden designers Diarmuid Gavin and Matt James, and fashion model Katherine Poulton. TV Gardener Matt James says, ‘I’m passionate about trees and green spaces and nowhere needs them more than our towns and cities, so the Tree-Athlon is a great event to be involved with. It’s so important to plant more trees – not only do they absorb pollution and reduce the impact of global warming, they also provide some much-needed calm and tranquillity in our hectic lives. The Tree-Athlon is a great opportunity to meet similar-minded 21st century tree-huggers and get fit at the same time!’