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 20 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 31st January and Saturday 1st 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.
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.”
