The Friends of Clapham Common (FCC) and Trees for Cities commemorated the planting of the 50th tree planted on the common to replace those lost due to storm damage, disease and old age.

They were joined by the Mayor of Lambeth, schoolchildren and volunteer groups, including British Military Fitness, all of whom have been involved with planting oaks, hornbeams, black poplars.

Peter Burke-Murphy, chairman of FCC, said: “We are in the second year of our 10 year replacement programme, planting broadleaf species in keeping with the common’s remaining trees.

“Last year we planted 25 trees with Trees for Cities, and this year we plan to plant 30.”

Planting on Clapham Common is part of Trees for Cities’ plan to improve urban spaces by increasing the number of plants and trees, and to bring local communities together in learning how to look after, and benefit, from them.