40 New Trees Planted on Hornchurch Liberty Line After Campaign 2026

Key Points

• Local environmental activists in Hornchurch successfully collaborated with Network Rail and contractors Homegrown Timber to plant 40 new trees along the Push and Pull Railway Line, known as the Liberty Line.
• Trees were selected for maintenance, longevity, growth patterns, and seasonal biodiversity benefits, including silver birches for winter, hawthorns for spring blossom, dogwoods, hornbeams, hazels, rowans for autumn berries, and field maples for fiery leaves.
• Planting occurred during the prime dormant season in January, delayed from original plans due to frosts, along both banks of the line running from Romford to Upminster via Emerson Park Station.
• Prominent campaigners include Rosina Purnel of Havering Friends of the Earth and founding member of Havering Climate Coalition, who escalated the issue to Parliament alongside Ruth Wollacott, as well as Jen Taylor, Gina Must, and Ruth Kettle-Frisby.
• The campaign followed vocal opposition to earlier tree-felling along the line, fostering a positive relationship with Network Rail that led to “lessons learned,” including increased lineside neighbour letters for greater public transparency beyond the borough.
• Benefits extend to local wildlife, residents, and children at Towers Infant and Junior School, where Homegrown Timber donated two young oak trees.
• Key meeting attendees included Kay Ige and Jennifer O’Leary from Network Rail, Tim Brown and Karl Rolls from Homegrown Timber, Havering Friends of the Earth members Rosina Purnell, Joy Mckenna, and Isabel Darling, Ruth Wollacott, Ruth Kettle-Frisby, local councillors John Wood, Paul Middleton, Bryan Vincent, and prospective councillor John Cain.
• Planting commenced with Ben Wood and his team breaking ground with the first spades.

Hornchurch (The Havering Daily) February 10, 2026 – Local environmental activists have secured a significant victory following a sustained campaign, resulting in the planting of 40 new trees along the picturesque Push and Pull Railway Line in Hornchurch, marking a hopeful resolution with Network Rail and their contractors, Homegrown Timber.​

This outcome stems from collaborative efforts to replace trees felled earlier, enhancing biodiversity and aesthetics along the Liberty Line that connects Romford to Upminster via Emerson Park Station. The initiative underscores a shift towards greater transparency and community engagement in infrastructure projects.

Who Led the Campaign Against Tree-Felling?

Rosina Purnel, prominent campaigner for Havering Friends of the Earth and founding member of Havering Climate Coalition, spearheaded the opposition to tree-felling along the local Overground line. As reported in The Havering Daily, she took the issue all the way to Parliament alongside Ruth Wollacott. Jen Taylor, Gina Must, and Ruth Kettle-Frisby also worked tirelessly to nurture relations with Network Rail.

These activists prioritised public transparency and sustained open dialogue, transforming initial conflict into a constructive partnership. Their persistence ensured that lessons were learned, with Network Rail committing to improved communication practices.

Why Were Trees Planted Along the Liberty Line?

The new trees were meticulously chosen for their maintenance needs, longevity, and growth patterns, tailored to seasonal details to maximise biodiversity and beautify the green banks of the Liberty Line. According to details from The Havering Daily, the selection includes striking silver birches for winter appeal; springtime blossoming hawthorns; dogwoods, hornbeams, and hazels for varied habitats; rowans that burst with autumnal berries; and field maples bearing fiery leaves.

Planting was timed for January frosts, the prime dormant season, after delays from the original schedule. This careful planning ensures the trees thrive on both sides of the line, supporting local ecosystems.

What Benefits Do the New Trees Provide?

The fruits of this positive outcome will benefit local wildlife, residents, and particularly children at Towers Infant and Junior School. Homegrown Timber generously donated two magnificent young oak trees specifically for the school, enhancing educational and recreational spaces.

Residents along the lineside will enjoy improved aesthetics and seasonal spectacles, from winter silhouettes to autumn colours. The initiative promises long-term environmental gains, bolstering urban green corridors in Hornchurch.

How Was the Planting Event Organised?

Kay Ige and Jennifer O’Leary from Network Rail, together with Tim Brown and Karl Rolls from Homegrown Timber, met with Havering Friends of the Earth members Rosina Purnell, Joy Mckenna, and Isabel Darling. The gathering also included Ruth Wollacott, Ruth Kettle-Frisby, local councillors John Wood, Paul Middleton, Bryan Vincent, and prospective councillor John Cain.

As the meeting unfolded, Ben Wood and his team commenced planting, with the first spades entering the ground. This hands-on involvement symbolised the collaborative spirit that turned campaigning success into tangible action.

What Lessons Were Learned from the Campaign?

It is testimony to this positive relationship that “lessons have been learned,” as noted in coverage by The Havering Daily. This includes increased lineside neighbour letters for greater public transparency, extending beyond the bounds of the borough.

Network Rail’s acknowledgment reflects a broader commitment to community consultation in infrastructure maintenance. Such measures aim to prevent future disputes and foster trust with local stakeholders.

Which Species Were Chosen for Maximum Biodiversity?

The tree selection process emphasised ecological harmony. Silver birches will provide striking winter features; hawthorns offer spring blossoms to support pollinators; dogwoods, hornbeams, and hazels deliver year-round structure and wildlife cover; rowans supply autumnal berries for birds; and field maples add vibrant foliage.

These species were collaboratively planned to suit the site’s conditions, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. The diversity promotes a resilient habitat along the railway embankment.

Who Attended the Key Planting Meeting?

The planting event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders. From Network Rail: Kay Ige and Jennifer O’Leary. Representing Homegrown Timber: Tim Brown and Karl Rolls. Havering Friends of the Earth delegates included Rosina Purnell, Joy Mckenna, and Isabel Darling.

Additional participants were Ruth Wollacott, Ruth Kettle-Frisby, councillors John Wood, Paul Middleton, Bryan Vincent, and prospective councillor John Cain. Their presence highlighted community-wide support for the project.

What Is the Push and Pull Railway Line?

Locally known as the Push and Pull or Liberty Line, this heritage route runs from Romford to Upminster and back via Emerson Park Station. It features rich green banks ideal for tree planting, enhancing its charm as a local transport link.

The line’s embankments now host the new trees, preserving its character amid modernisation. This stretch serves as a vital green artery in Havering.

How Does This Impact Local Schools?

Children at Towers Infant and Junior School stand to gain directly from Homegrown Timber’s donation of two young oak trees. Oaks are emblematic of longevity and biodiversity, providing shade, habitats, and educational opportunities.

The trees will enrich the school environment, fostering appreciation for nature among pupils. This gesture underscores the campaign’s community-focused ethos.

What Role Did Councillors Play?

Local councillors John Wood, Paul Middleton, and Bryan Vincent, alongside prospective councillor John Cain, attended the planting to endorse the initiative. Their involvement bridges grassroots activism with official governance.

As elected representatives, they advocate for environmental priorities in Havering. Their participation signals political backing for sustainable infrastructure practices.

Why Was January the Ideal Planting Time?

January frosts signalled the prime dormant season for planting, as highlighted in The Havering Daily. This timing minimises stress on young trees, boosting establishment rates despite the later-than-intended schedule.

Dormancy ensures roots develop before active growth, aligning with natural cycles. The delay allowed for optimal conditions post-frost.

How Has Public Transparency Improved?

Network Rail’s enhanced lineside neighbour letters exemplify greater transparency. This practice now extends borough-wide and beyond, addressing campaigners’ calls for openness.

Such measures rebuild public confidence in rail maintenance projects. Activists like Rosina Purnel view this as a key win from their parliamentary efforts.

What Future Outcomes Are Expected?

The 40 trees promise seasonal transformations: winter elegance from birches, spring vibrancy from hawthorns, and autumn bounty from rowans. Field maples and others will sustain year-round interest.

Long-term, expect thriving wildlife corridors and beautified vistas for commuters and residents. The oaks at Towers School may become landmarks for generations.