100 trees planted in Winchester park St Giles Hill

Winchester City Council funded the planting efforts at St Giles Hill with the help of charity the Friends of St Giles Hill Park.

The small trees, known as whips, include apple, pear, elm and bird cherry, and all species have been chosen for their ecological and biodiversity value. Native juniper will be planted at a later date in the park, which is managed by Winchester City Council.

The work follows the removal of diseased ash trees and clearance of brambles and clematis in the area in accordance with the new biodiversity net gain legislation.

December planting efforts (Image: Richard Berry)

READ MORE: Volunteers working on once-neglected St Giles Hill park

Volunteers from the Friends of St Giles Hill Park aim to nurture the trees particularly in the crucial early years as the trees establish themselves. 

Councillor Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for the climate emergency, said: “We are grateful for the support of the Friends of St Giles Hill Park as we continue to work together to achieve the best long-term outcome and benefits for the area, enhancing and improving its biodiversity.

“This tree planting is a key part of our five-year management plan – and our wider Biodiversity Action Plan - for St Giles Park which sets out what needs to be done to maintain and improve the park. These new trees will also play a key role as we aim for carbon neutrality and to become greener faster across our district.”

Chair of the Friends of St Giles Hill Park group, Dr Harry Mycock, said: “The Friends of St Giles Hill Park was set up as a charity in April to help improve the park for all - flora, fauna and people.

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Tree planting at St Giles Hill (Image: Richard Berry)

“Successful litter picks and guided walks were followed by setting up Working Parties, which began with two or three locals and their own tools at the end of August. The number of volunteers had grown to double figures by October, and grants from Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council assisted with the purchasing of some tools.

“Initially, in line with the Winchester City Council five-year plan for the park, fence, pathway and clearance work at viewpoints was undertaken, but now with the newly planted area it will be most satisfying to expand efforts into a wider area.”

Before this year the park was looking increasingly neglected with the city council under financial pressure. The Friends hope to celebrate the area’s improvements in 2028, in line with the park’s 150th anniversary.

For more information on the Friends and how to get involved go to friendsofstgileshillpark.org/.