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idverde provides a wide range of green services, including grounds maintenance, landscape creation, and advice services, to both private and public sectors across the UK.
As part of a collaborative effort to restore Elm populations in Bromley, new trees have been planted at multiple sites, supported by several local groups.
These plantings were made possible through the support of the Friends of High Elms, Keston Common, and Chislehurst Recreation Ground.
Elm trees (genus Ulmus) are an important group of tree species. Reaching heights of 30 metres, these long-lived trees often survive for over a century.
Their exterior is defined by rugged, grey-brown bark marked by deep fissures and the frequent appearance of suckers at the base of the trunk. Newer growth consists of slender, downy twigs leading to sharp, oval-shaped buds covered in fine hairs.
Their leaves provide food for the caterpillars of many butterflies and moths. Principally, Elms are vital for the White-Letter Hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium w-album) because these trees are their sole food plant during their larval stage.
Elm trees were once common across Great Britain. In the last 60 years, their numbers have dropped due to Dutch elm disease. It has been estimated that 25 million British elm trees were killed in the early decades of the infection’s successful spread, accounting for more than 90% of the nation’s mature elm population. During the initial outbreak, large areas of elm were also cleared to reduce the spread of disease.
We require disease-resistant trees because Dutch Elm disease typically kills our native elms (Ulmus procera) before they reach maturity. Recognising the need to address the decline of elm populations, the Elms4London project was established in 2021. This initiative was created by the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association to increase the city’s mature elm population.
Elms4London supplies successful applicants with free Elm trees belonging to disease-resistant cultivars, including Ulmus ‘Vada’, Ulmus ‘Clusius’, Ulmus ‘Wingham’, Ulmus ‘Accolade’, and Ulmus ‘Ademuz’. idverde has collaborated with volunteers in order to plant trees provided by Elms4London across the London borough of Bromley. In addition, the Friends of Keston Common further strengthened this project by purchasing an additional seven disease-resistant elm trees from local suppliers.
This endeavour will continue to sustain the return of Elms to these sites as the trees grow into a state of maturity. The planting of disease-resistant cultivars allows for their propagation throughout the three parks, as well as the borough of Bromley as a whole, without the fear of population loss before maturity can be achieved, whilst also enhancing aesthetic value.
Initiatives like this create an active step in supporting biodiversity in urbanised settings. Advice on where to plant these trees was sourced by the charity Butterfly Conservation. White-Letter Hairstreak Butterflies have undergone a 78% decline since the 1970s as a result of Dutch Elm Disease.
This species relies on mature Elms to complete its lifecycle. Providing disease-resistant trees not only helps ensure the continued survival of existing colonies but also creates a corridor through the wider landscape, enabling the butterfly to disperse, forming strong, interconnected populations and preventing isolation.
The generous donations from the Elms4London campaign significantly reduce the costs of acquiring elm trees for many who need them. In addition, the stakeholders at all three sites have gained valuable experience and satisfaction from their involvement.
The collaboration between idverde, Elms4London, Butterfly Conservation, and Friends Groups highlights the positive impact that partnerships and collective goals can have on nature.
Our gratitude goes out to Elms4London and the three Friends organisations who were involved in the project.
