Hammerson Plc Commissions Kew Reach for Climate Resilience at Brent Cross
Kew Reach provided scientific guidance on tree suitability for their flagship London site at Brent Cross
Hammerson Plc (Hammerson), the largest UK-listed pure-play owner and manager of prime retail, commissioned Kew Reach to provide scientific guidance on tree suitability for their flagship London site at Brent Cross. This work was designed to ensure that future planting decisions are robust, climate-resilient, and aligned with Hammerson’s long-term biodiversity goals.
At the heart of this work is a tree suitability approach developed by experts at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Drawing on their world-leading research, we assessed which tree species are most likely to remain viable under both current and projected future climate conditions. By modelling future temperature and moisture trends under a high-emissions scenario, we were able to identify which tree species are likely to tolerate increasing heat stress, shifting rainfall patterns and greater climatic variability in the decades ahead.
For Hammerson, this future-facing perspective is critical. Trees are long-lived assets and selecting species based on the status quo risks underperformance or failure as conditions change. By applying the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s climate suitability method, Hammerson can be confident that planting decisions are grounded in credible science rather than assumption.
Going beyond climate suitability, Kew Reach further screened for species that can deliver biodiversity uplift on the site. Native trees were prioritised where possible, recognising that their established ecological relationships with local wildlife contribute to strengthening habitat networks across the city.
Species selection however is only part of successful urban habitat creation. Kew Reach also provided detailed site preparation and planting guidance designed to maximise establishment success and long-term performance. Appropriate specification, provenance considerations, and implementation principles help reduce early mortality, support healthy root development, and improve structural stability over time. In urban contexts, where environmental pressures are intensified, this practical guidance is often the difference between short-lived planting and lasting green infrastructure.
Alongside tree selection, we provided guidance on the creation of urban habitat niches within the site. Thoughtful structuring of planting, through canopy layering, understorey integration, and spatial diversity supports a richer range of species and microhabitats. Even within constrained environments, deliberate design can create refuges for pollinators, birds and invertebrates, enhancing ecological function for the site as a whole.
Through this collaboration, Hammerson has embedded scientific rigour into the long-term stewardship of Brent Cross. By combining cutting edge modelling with practical implementation guidance, the project is positioned not simply to plant trees, but to create a resilient urban habitat. At Kew Reach, we believe that lasting nature-based solutions begin with credible science and are secured through careful delivery. Working with Hammerson, we have translated world-class ecological expertise into actionable guidance, helping ensure that the trees and habitats at Brent Cross will last for years to come.
Charlie Brunyate, Head of ESG at Hammerson:
At Hammerson, we recognise that creating thriving destinations means investing in nature as a long-term asset. By working with Kew Reach, we’ve combined cutting-edge scientific insight with practical delivery to ensure the green infrastructure at Brent Cross is resilient, climate-ready and capable of delivering meaningful biodiversity gains over time. This approach strengthens our progress toward our nature-positive ambitions and reinforces our commitment to responsible, future-focused placemaking. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Kew Reach to embed the same level of scientific rigour and impact across other sites in our UK portfolio.
Charlie Roper, Director of Business Development at Kew Reach:
Our rapidly changing climate is placing unprecedented stress on our ecosystems, and nowhere is this more acute than in our towns and cities where nature is already under threat and the impacts of warming are exacerbated. We were delighted to work with Hammerson to help them deliver climate resilient green infrastructure that will provide benefits to people and nature for years to come.