Tree and bee corridor project

Biodiversity in the Bishopstoke area is being enhanced, thanks to an exciting tree and bee corridor project.

Sixteen sites within residential areas throughout Bishopstoke are being planted to reflect a natural woodland structure with a mix of larger fruiting trees, such as walnut and chestnut; smaller trees, such as plum, damson, apple, cherry and juneberry in the mid-canopy, and blackcurrant, redcurrant, loganberry occupying the shrub layer.

Most of the trees will provide food for wildlife to enhance local biodiversity and, where possible, plants are sourced from the Council’s own tree nursery. A mix of wildflowers and herbs, such as borage, sage and thyme will also be planted.

Chair of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee, Cllr Lou Parker-Jones said, “This is a fantastic way to help improve the biodiversity of our area by creating green corridors through planting more trees and providing habitat and food for insects, birds and animals. It also helps to visually improve the area with a variety of species that not only provide food that can be harvested, but also enjoyed by local residents.”

If you are interested in learning more about the tree gardens or would like to get involved with nurturing and using them contact treebee@eastleigh.gov.uk

Picture right: Artist impression of the proposed planting scheme