A commemorative Tulip tree has been planted in a special ceremony in St John’s Wood Church Gardens in recognition of MCC’s contribution of trees in the local community.

The ceremony, attended by Councillor Robert Rigby and representatives from MCC, celebrates the donation that the Club have made to planting trees in the vicinity around Lord’s. Since December 2019, an additional 74 new trees of varying species have been planted in the area, enhancing the green village characteristic of the central London neighbourhood.

The Liriodendron Tulipifera (tulip tree) is a large growing species native to the Eastern states of North America which produces tulip like flowers in early summer. Its size and form makes it perfectly suited to the park setting. Westminster City Council currently manages over 20,000 trees across the city and each winter plants two to three hundred new trees.

Councillor Robert Rigby, Chair of Planning at Westminster City Council & Member for Regent’s Park ward, said: “We are immensely grateful for the contribution Marylebone Cricket Club has made to the local environment by planting these new trees helping to make Westminster one of the greenest city centres.

“Enhancing our precious green spaces is a priority for the council. We are working to create a greener and cleaner city for all our residents, to improve air quality and make the surroundings more pleasant for everyone.”

"Green spaces are much needed and appreciated in London and we’re pleased to work with Westminster City Council for the benefit of the local community"

MCC Assistant Secretary (Estates and Redevelopment) said: “We are continually working to improve our sustainability at Lord’s Cricket Ground, and we’re pleased that with this donation to Westminster City Council’s tree planting programme, we are able to extend these efforts beyond our gates and into the community.

“Over the past ten years we have implemented significant sustainable initiatives, and we are proud that Lord’s operates using 100% renewable energy. We are also combating single use plastic, and we recycle as much waste as possible. We have also introduced living walls in our redevelopments and we maintain our cherished gardens within the Ground.

“Green spaces are much needed and appreciated in London and we’re pleased to work with Westminster City Council for the benefit of the local community and those who visit the area.”