The East End of London has 10 more trees and a new hedge to brighten up the dull, concrete urban environment—thanks to volunteers turning out in the bitter cold.

East London Advertiser: Charity workers Polly Jarman (left) and David CampellCharity workers Polly Jarman (left) and David Campell (Image: Archant)

A community tree planting project was staged on Saturday to revamp Shadwell’s Glamis Estate behind Cable Street.

The Trees for Cities charity turned it into a family fun day with live music by Elvis—otherwise known as Micky, one of the tenants.

But unlike the saplings, the ‘crowds’ were a little thin on the ground.

“We had 46 people turn up,” explained the charity’s Samantha Lagan. “That was good because it was freezing!”

The charity has been working with East End Homes for five years ‘greening’ bleak areas of urban housing to add colour and a touch of the countryside to inner city districts. This was the second year of the Glamis Estate project.

The volunteers planted 10 standard trees including eight golden rain and two cherry, as well as a hedge of 225 whips with species including Hawthorn, Amelanchier and Field Maple—all aimed at helping improve the urban environment for East End families.