Battersea grapefruit tree protected

A rare grapefruit tree on Queenstown Road gains a Tree Preservation Order after a local campaign.

Battersea grapefruit tree wins protection

A grapefruit tree on Queenstown Road in Battersea has been granted a Tree Preservation Order by Wandsworth Council after a locals-led campaign. The tree is one of the few in the UK that grow outdoors outside Kew Gardens and was brought from Grenada to south-west London as a sapling in the 1980s by Marline Anderson, who died in June. A memorial plaque has been installed to explain the tree’s history, and a BBC London reporter tasted the fruit, describing it as delicious.

Kemi Akinola, deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, said the decision recognises community contributions and the role of African and Caribbean heritage in the borough during its year as London borough of culture. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that outdoor grapefruit trees are uncommon in the UK and typically do best in greenhouses, with fruiting usually occurring once a year and plants reaching up to four metres in height.

This protection move turns a plant into a symbol of local memory and cultural value. It shows how a small act of preservation can become a political statement about whose stories are kept in city space. The decision aligns with a broader push to celebrate diverse histories within urban planning and culture.

At the same time, it invites scrutiny of how city resources are allocated. Some residents may wonder if safeguarding a single tree should sit alongside other city needs. As with many heritage choices, the impact will be judged by how well it sparks inclusive memory while remaining accountable to broader environmental and budget priorities.

Highlights

The tree’s protection could shift how communities see small green landmarks in city life.