London trees: What is the most common species and how much carbon do they store?

Edwina Langley

2019-08-20

Evening Standard

Keywords: carbon storage, sycamore, English oak, silver birch, London Plane, ash tree, air purification, carbon sequestration, environmental health, biodiversity

There are over eight million trees in London, plant species which are collectively storing approximately 2,367,000 tonnes of carbon, a report by the London iTree Eco Project found.

Maintaining a healthy tree population is therefore of utmost importance. Not only do trees absorb carbon and release oxygen through photosynthesis, but once they start to die, the carbon stored within their tissues gets released back into the atmosphere.

The article describes London's urban forest as a vital asset, providing numerous ecological benefits such as carbon storage and air purification. The sycamore, surprisingly, is the most common tree species in the city, followed by the native English oak. These trees, along with the silver birch, London Plane, and ash, are crucial for carbon sequestration and air quality, highlighting the significance of a diverse tree population for environmental health and biodiversity. The London iTree Eco Project's report emphasizes the importance of preserving and expanding the urban forest to enhance the city's sustainability and livability.

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Tags: Urban Forest, Carbon Storage, Tree Species, Sycamore, English Oak, Silver Birch, London Plane, Ash Tree, Air Quality, Biodiversity