Identify and record the trees in your garden, street and park for the Natural History Museum’s urban tree survey. 

Trees are essential for our environment because they help to produce clean air and fertile soil, absorb carbon and reduce noise pollution.

We already know a lot about native trees through analysing ancient pollen found in soil and peat, and from historical records such as the Domesday Book. There is also much data on trees in rural areas but, so far, very little is known about the trees growing in our towns and cities.

Scientists at the Museum want to map the locations and types of trees growing in urban areas across the UK. They need your help because there are a lot of trees to count and many of them are in private gardens.

Everything you need to start counting trees is available online from tree identification keys to survey forms. The survey focuses on the 80 most common types of tree, such as birches, cypresses, maples and rowans. The list contains both native and introduced species.

When you've identified and counted your trees, add your results to a detailed online map. You can also see where all the other trees have been recorded