Press Release

4 June 2025

Mini Forest at Seafield Park officially named Arthur’s Wood

The Mayor of Fareham was joined by councillors, Council officers and volunteers yesterday, to officially name the new mini-forest at Seafield Park in Hill Head.

In February 2025, around 1,650 new trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers and Council officers, thanks to funding received through Hampshire County Council’s Forest Partnership, as part of the Kings Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

The mini-forest has been named ‘Arthur’s Wood’ in honour of the late Alderman Arthur Mandry who sadly passed away in 2024. Alderman Mandry served as Ward Councillor for Hill Head from 1995 to 2018. During this time, he also served as the Mayor of Fareham between 2001 and 2002 and as Deputy Leader of the Council between 1999 and 2001 and again between 2002 and 2012.

Executive Member for Streetscene, Cllr Ian Bastable, said:

“We are delighted to officially name this new mini-forest Arthur’s Wood. It is a fitting legacy for the late Alderman Arthur Mandry, who not only served the Hill Head ward and the wider Fareham community for so many years, but who also planted trees at Seafield Park himself many years ago. Thanks to the efforts of Council officers and the many volunteers involved, this mini forest will provide beauty and enjoyment for generations to come.”

Residents can find out more about trees in the Borough, as well as upcoming tree planting initiatives at www.fareham.gov.uk/planning/trees.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The mini forest at Seafield Park is a key project set out in Priority Two of the Council’s Corporate Strategy: Respond to climate change and protect the environment.