Explore the history of Vauxhall Park’s urban forest with an expert arboriculturist on this guided lunchtime walk.
Join Callum Henderson, Arboricultural Officer for London Borough of Lambeth, for this one hour walk around Vauxhall Park. The walk focuses on five key trees within the park, using them to tell a broader story about London’s urban forest, local history and changing attitudes to tree planting – why some trees thrived in the city, why others fell out of favour, and how planting choices continue to evolve.
Your walk begins at 13:00 and runs for around an hour. Meet at the Parco Cafe in Vauxhall Park. From there, you’ll be guided around the park making stops at: London Planes, Deodar Cedars, the Tree of Heaven, Ginkgos and Mulberrys.
The route is on paths and level grass surfaces (where appropriate and safe), and is therefore suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Please dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions, wearing sturdy footwear and waterproof outer clothing.
About your guide
Callum Henderson is an Arboricultural Officer at the London Borough of Lambeth, working in planning, conservation and urban design. Born in Lambeth and educated in south London, he studied forestry in North Wales before returning to work in arboriculture and the urban landscape. He is particularly interested in the history of London’s trees, and in the role that parks and street trees play in shaping a more resilient city for the future.
Big Vauxhall Tree Week (10–17 May)
This event is part of Big Vauxhall Tree Week, which celebrates the trees, wildlife and green spaces that shape this unique London neighbourhood.
Across the week, local organisations, artists and environmental experts come together for a programme of walks, talks, creative workshops and wildlife events exploring Vauxhall’s urban nature. From bat walks and tree tours to sketching sessions and a special film screening, the week culminates in the vibrant Vauxhall May Fair in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens — a weekend of plants, performances and family-friendly activities. See the full line-up of events at beinvauxhall.com/tree-week
Big Vauxhall Tree Week is funded by Vauxhall One, in partnership with London Borough of Lambeth and Vauxhall City Farm. All events are offered free of charge, but if you are in a position to do so please consider a small donation to Trees for Cities – a charity working to improve lives by planting trees in cities.
