Press Release

20 February 2025

Volunteers join Council to plant mini forest

Fareham Borough Councillors have been joined by volunteers for the first day of planting for a new ‘mini forest’ at Seafield Park, Hill Head.

The Council was inundated with volunteers wishing to take part in this momentous tree planning event, which will take place over four days across the next two weeks. Ward councillor for Hill Head, Cllr Mrs Mandry, was joined today by Council officers and members of the local community keen to help plant the first trees.

Executive Member for Streetscene, Councillor Ian Bastable, said: “It was great to see members of the public volunteering to do something really meaningful for the community. This mini forest will take just four days to plant, thanks to the large numbers of volunteers that have come forward to help, but it will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide a beautiful addition to Seafield Park long into the future.”

Around 1,650 new trees and shrubs will be planted in total, including disease resistant elms, English oaks, beech, elders, hazel and holly, thanks to funding received through Hampshire County Council’s Forest Partnership, as part of the Kings Coronation Living Heritage Fund. There will also be wildflower areas adjacent to the forest thanks to ‘Wildflower Turf Ltd’ which kindly donated the wildflower seed.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Universal Services, added: “I am delighted that this mini forest is now officially underway in Hill Head. It not only supports Hampshire County Council’s ambition to plant a million new trees by 2050, but it shows how the County Council’s Forest Partnership helps to bring communities together.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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