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Research in Inner London
Trees and their impact on the emotional well-being of local residents on two inner London social housing estates  Summary
This project focused on Peabody Hill Wood situated between Peabody Hill and Rosendale Estates in the inner London Borough of Lambeth. Peabody Trust, a Housing Association, owns the estates and woodland. The small 3.5 hectare woodland is an important resource for local people. The overall aim of the project was to engage and involve residents in the use and enjoyment of Peabody Hill Wood. The project involved gaining an understanding of how residents’ viewed the wood, as well as involving them in a community clearance and tree planting day.
Objectives- Investigate residents’ attitudes towards trees and woodlands and explore the ways in which they are valued
- Engage and involve residents in the use and enjoyment of trees and woodlands in their area and at the same time undertake improvements to their local wood called Peabody Hill Wood.
 Key findings
- Positive views of the wood concerned wildlife, the importance of having greenery in London and the colours of the trees in spring and autumn. 33% of respondents rated their appreciation of the wood as high.
- Negative views of the wood revolved around rubbish dumping on site, concerns about personal safety, overgrown vegetation blocking views and bikes and dumped cars. 19% of respondents rated their appreciation of the wood as low.
- There was an inner conflict for many residents, while many valued the wood as an element of nature in their urban environment they were also concerned about the abuses that took place in the woodland.
- Many residents had ideas of how the wood could be improved and reclaimed by local people who wanted to use the space and enjoy it.
Funders and partners
  
This was a partnership project between Peabody Trust (Housing Association), Trees for Cities (Environmental Charity) and the Forestry Commission. Forestry Commission policyThe Forestry Commission wishes to maximise the social benefits of woodlands. This requires an understanding of the ways in which contemporary society relates to forests in both urban and rural areas. StatusThis project is now complete.  Download report (PDF-1115K)
ContactLiz O’Brien
Social and Economic Research Group
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey, GU10 4LH Tel: 01420 22255
Fax: 01420 23653
Email: liz.obrien@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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