Adopt a Tree Pit and Pollinator Pathways
Bees, moths, flies, butterflies, wasps, and beetles are all small but vital. They move pollen to fertilise plants, so they produce seeds and fruit. But these creatures, as well as birds and small mammals such as hedgehogs, are under threat from factors like habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.
We are committed to improving habitats and food sources for pollinators in Redbridge to reverse their rapid decline and recover nature. Get involved in one of the following schemes to bring neighbours together, help your street bloom and encourage wildlife to thrive.
Adopt a Tree Pit
Application window closed. Due to reopen late October 2025, for 2026 applications.
A tree pit is the soil area at the base of trees on the street, and it is perfect for planting with wildflowers. This year more than 300 residents have adopted tree pits across the borough, boosting biodiversity and helping our streets bloom.
Letters of confirmation have been posted to all successful applicants which include wildflower seeds and tree label(s). If you have applied and are yet to receive your letter or any other communication from us, please get in touch.
If you have an issue or query relating to your tree pit specifically, please get in touch at ourneighbourhood@redbridge.gov.uk
Report any other issues with a tree on the street here.
All successful applicants must follow the Terms and Conditions set out below to keep you safe and the tree healthy.
Pollinator Pathway Streets
Applications open all year round
Pollinator Pathways are a next step on from Tree Pit adoption. This is an opportunity to remove your entire street from the chemical weed control spraying schedule and create a pesticide-free corridor of pollinator friendly plants. Becoming a Pollinator Pathway means that you and your neighbours agree to:
- Adopt all the tree pits on your street – we’ll provide you with wildflower seeds for planting and tree labels to show that the trees have been adopted.
- Manually control plant growth on pavements, kerbs, around shrub beds and more – we’ll provide you with guidance around acceptable levels of plant growth and advice on how best to complete the works.
If you and your neighbours have already adopted tree pits on your street, and enjoy gardening, this could be a natural next step. The scheme is open to any area in Redbridge, and with more streets joining in and forming a network, different areas of habitat become more connected and resilient.
Benefits of your street being a Pollinator Pathway:
- Increases areas of biodiversity to support pollinators and other wildlife.
- Eliminates the need for the use of pesticides to control plant growth.
- Brings neighbours together.
- Contributes to physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Is an opportunity for active citizenship in our borough - we’re proud that Redbridge is leading the way amongst just a few authorities operating such a scheme.
How to become a Pollinator Pathway
Frequently Asked Questions