Children Help Rewild Chelsea

Students from Christ Church Chelsea and Holy Trinity schools have been getting stuck in rewilding the local area.

This comes in the wake of the launch of a new partnership between SUGi, Louis Vuitton and Cadogan, to create Central London’s first ‘Heritage Forest’. Located on Pont Street in Chelsea, London, the project aims to restore biodiversity, reintroduce native species and reconnect people with nature.

SUGi is a globally renowned organisation dedicated to restoring 100% native forests in urban spaces and has joined forces with the famous fashion brand and Cadogan who own and manage around 90 acres of Chelsea and Knightsbridge.

Cadogan is a family business, property manager, investor and developer – with a 300-year history that informs its dynamic estate management approach today.

It has recently launched its 10-year sustainability strategy Chelsea 2030, which maps out ambitious targets contributing to a more sustainable city.

These targets outline initiatives including a roadmap to net zero, improving air quality and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity across the estate, including an increase in Urban Greening Factor by 25% over the next decade.

The Project

The 240sqm pocket forest in Chelsea, close to Louis Vuitton’s elegant store on Sloane Street and part of the Cadogan Estate, will see 630 native trees and shrubs (77 species) planted in total.

It is intended to become self-sustaining within three years and is a blossoming example of urban rewilding and ecological sustainability, that will provide inspiration for further similar projects.

Chelsea’s Heritage Forest will see species such as Red Campion, Sessile Oak, Hawthorn and a forest floor dense with shrubbery and wildflowers to create an ideal habitat for at least 80 species of insect. By using this variety of native species, the forest will require less maintenance and watering, alleviating the need for pesticides and artificial plant foods.

Elise van Middelem, founder of SUGi says: ‘The forest will be a green space for local neighbours to find quiet moments of respite and to take in the joys of nature in a vibrant and busy city.‘

Hugh Seaborn, CEO, Cadogan says: ‘It is vital that we try new opportunities to accelerate positive change and we believe this will be a beautiful and necessary addition, while offering inspiration for many similar opportunities – we look forward to monitoring its growth and impact in partnership with Louis Vuitton.‘