160,000 more trees by 2030

Council announces largest ever tree planting scheme in the Borough to improve environment

Later this year Eastleigh Borough Council is embarking on its largest ever tree and hedgerow planting scheme with the aim of planting 160,000 more trees by 2030 - one for every Borough resident - as part of our response to the climate and environmental emergency, It will also ensure that, over the next 10 years, we are planting trees for future generations to enjoy.

Once launched, the scheme will provide the opportunity to plant a variety of native tree species to help improve the biodiversity and ecology of the Borough. It will be designed to create new wildlife corridors with a particular focus on species including those that flower and provide berries throughout the year and at the same time the trees will be locking in carbon dioxide. Alongside this we aim to introduce enhanced rules for developers designed to ensure any development leads to a net gain in trees. We will liaise with residents, local groups and businesses to identify areas that can be planted including on our open spaces and the urban environment. For example on an open space or countryside site;

- residents can sponsor or plant a tree for themselves or their children.

- businesses can plant a tree for each of their employees.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “This largest tree planting scheme ever in the Borough is one of many Council initiatives that are in response to the climate and environmental emergency It’s a great opportunity for the Council and our communities to plant trees for the benefit of wildlife, our Borough and future generations. All our schemes will be designed to prioritise planting to support and enhance wildlife corridors and biodiversity.”

To keep up to date on this project sign up to our free weekly Borough News update by visiting: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews

Picture above: The trees will benefit future generations, like Florence and Freddie of Horton Heath. People in Eastleigh Borough are pledging to make a difference to tackle the climate and environmental emergency.