Volunteers help Winchester City Council to plant hundreds of trees in Waterlooville
Green fingered volunteers have planted hundreds of new trees in Waterlooville as part of Winchester City Council’s pledge to improve the environment and tackle the climate emergency.
Armed with spades, forks and shovels more than 30 volunteers gathered at Newlands Walk Open Space in Waterlooville for a community tree planting event. A total of 342 trees were planted over two days (Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February), including 42 new trees and 300 infant trees. The new trees include a range of varieties such as oak, sweet chestnut, birch and hornbeam.
The volunteers included local residents, members of Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC), University of Winchester students,and council staff. Local businesses also took time out to help plant the trees with staff from IBM, Winchester BID, HSBC and other local organisations rolling up their sleeves to take part.
Winchester City Council has pledged to plant hundreds more trees across the district as part of its Carbon Neutrality Action Plan. Trees provide a range of environment benefits and absorb carbon emissions as they grow.
Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Neil Cutler, ward member for Southwick & Wickham, joined the volunteers. He said:
“It is great to see so much enthusiasm to help the council’s tree planting commitment to take root. These beautiful new trees are wonderful new addition to Waterlooville, helping to improve the environment now and for future generations. A massive thank you to all the volunteers from the local community, WinACC and businesses for getting stuck in.”
Paul Waddon from Waterlooville, and his 12-year-old daughter Siobhan were among the volunteers who attended on Saturday.
Siobhan said:
“I came along because I’m passionate about trying to save the planet , I think what the council is doing is a good thing and I really enjoyed it, I would definitely take part again.”
Paul said:
“I have never done this before but it has been great fun in the fresh air and with the sun out, I’m looking forward to seeing the trees grow now.”
Jock McDonald, Chair of Winchester Action on Climate Change, said:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the planting of 300 young trees by Winchester City Council. Money donated to our charity via the ‘Love Miles Levy’ has enabled us to sponsor such a high number, the scheme is still open should anyone wish to donate in the future.
“We hope that this first tree planting for climate change in the Winchester district will be the start of a rise of positive action to combat climate change locally.”