The Financial Times is one of five organisations supporting a new Trees for Cities project, which aims to restore greenery to the Clapham Common area in London.

The charity, which works with local communities on tree planting projects in socially and economically deprived urban areas, founded the scheme in partnership with the Friends of Clapham Common and Lambeth Council. Partly funded by the FT, it aims to replace trees coming to the end of their natural life or damaged by storms or disease, and included an inaugural tree-planting day at Clapham Common in late November.

The FT has supported Trees for Cities for two years, with funding last year helping transform green spaces at Pelican and Brayard Estates in Southwark,London. As part of the partnership, FT staff in London and New Yorkhave the chance to take part in volunteer tree planting days.

Last year more than 70,000 trees were planted by Trees for Cities around the world, with the help of over 26,000 volunteers and trainees. Of these trees, 45,000 were planted in UK cities.

Trees for Cities hold regular planting days giving local residents and supporters the opportunity to get involved in the regeneration of their area, which also helps foster a sense of ownership among the community.

Find out more about Trees for Cities : http://www.treesforcities.org