PLANTED: Volunteers at Hayling Eastoke with a new pine tree
Published in the Portsmouth News on 12th April 2013
by Elise Brewerton
VOLUNTEERS have planted almost 1,000 trees thanks to the government’s £25,000 Big Tree Plant grant.
The aim is to plant a million trees across the country in the next three years.
And in Havant volunteers have been planting oak, copper beech and silver birch in nine projects.
Frances Jannaway, from Havant Tree Wardens, is leading the planting.
She said: ‘A total of 815 trees have been planted despite atrocious weather – rain, frost and snow, which caused many delays.’
Rangers and a band of 35 helpers worked hard to plant 24 large trees at Staunton Country Park in November.
Trees planted include lime, English oak and copper beech.
The remaining 52 trees will be planted in the autumn.
The second project to get going was at Mill Rythe infant and junior schools, in Hayling.
Schoolchildren worked with the older generation from Hayling Horticultural Society to plant silver birch, oak, yew and rowan in the school grounds, in December.
In total, 500 whips – small, young trees – were planted along the Hermitage Stream in Leigh Park.
Groundwork Solent, helped by a team of 28 volunteers, dug in wild pear, rowan, wild cherry, alder and oak.
Trees were also planted in streets in Waterlooville and a some were put in to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Another big project was the planting of small copses along the Hayling Billy Trail Local Nature Reserve, in Hayling Island.
Volunteers got stuck in to plant 180 whips.
Frances said: ‘The other four tree planting projects which will be carried out in the upcoming autumn and winter are Park Woods, in Waterlooville, Brook Meadow, in Emsworth, the recreation grounds in Emsworth and Bedhampton, and Purbrook Infant School.
‘Help with planting and after care is needed, especially in Leigh Park, Hayling and Staunton Country Park. We are always looking for volunteers.’
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