Rewilding Chelsea with Cadogan Estate
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Forests
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Trees
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Square Meters
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Native Species
This bold and highly visible collaboration is designed to bring the beauty and delight of Nature to Chelsea, London’s creative heart.
Louis Vuitton, Cadogan, and SUGi collaborated for the first time in Autumn 2021 by introducing a SUGi Pocket Forest - 'Heritage Forest' - on Pont Street. The 240 Sq m pocket forest sits close to Louis Vuitton’s elegant store on Sloane Street and is part of the Cadogan Estate.
We continued our collective journey to ‘rewild’ Chelsea the following Spring, with an ambitious two-phase project known as the 'Serenity Forest'. Phase 1 involved the creation of a native pocket forest at the entrance to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, while in Phase 2, the structure was transferred to its permanent home at an iconic site in Chelsea.
Heritage Forest
Before this forest was planted in 2021, the space was nothing more than a gravel flat, with just a few plane trees and no other vegetation. Since then, it has been incredible to see the growth and development of this forest ecosystem. The appearance of mushrooms within the forest tells us that mycorrhizal networks have developed underground, and that the soil is healthy.
Some of the mushrooms present are typically found in more mature wooded areas, making their appearance in this young forest somewhat surprising - a testament to its health and success.
Serenity Forest
Serenity Forest is an ambitious project that brings together Louis Vuitton, Möet & Chandon, and Cadogan Estate, furthering their collaborative efforts to ‘rewild’ the heart of London with SUGi.
Located on Chelsea Square, adjacent to the Royal Brompton and Royal Marsden hospitals, this project will transform an unloved, concrete space into a thriving forest that will provide nourishment to hospital patients and local residents - as well as to native flora and fauna. Since its planting in 2022, this forest has been developing into a space for rest and quiet for many of the people who work and visit the local hospital.
“This is a great example of businesses and landowners working together to make an impact with environmentally responsible planting in small spaces. We look forward to the forest flourishing and monitoring the impact it has on our local community.”
Hugh Seaborn, CEO, Cadogan
The Art of Rewilding — Chelsea Flower Show 2022
In the Spring of 2022, our collective journey to ‘rewild’ Chelsea continued with an ambitious two-phase project known as the “Serenity Forest.” Phase 1 created a native pocket forest at the entrance to RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Sited on the iconic roundabout just outside the Bullring Gate, the installation illustrated how minimal urban space can create maximal biodiversity, reintroduce indigenous species, and reconnect people with Nature in our cities. The three growth stages of a ‘Miyawaki’ forest not only mimicked the density of an ancient forest but created a crown-like structure in celebration of HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
Partners in Rewilding
We embrace partners who share our vision of building biodiversity and green infrastructure. Each strategic collaboration is uniquely tailored.
We rewild with visionaries from iconic global brands to sustainable start ups, from city officials to pioneering designers, architects, and artists.
