Families plant a lasting legacy for the New Forest
PUBLISHED ON: 8 FEBRUARY 2023Families plant a lasting legacy for the New Forest
Joint news release from the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, Hampshire Forest Partnership and the New Forest National Park Authority.
Dozens of new oak trees have been planted in the New Forest National Park thanks to the help of local schools and communities digging in for nature.
More than 140 people of all ages came to a family-friendly tree planting event at New Park, Brockenhurst on Saturday (4 February), run by the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, the New Forest National Park Authority and the Hampshire Forest Partnership.
During the day around 70 native English oak trees were successfully planted at New Park, which is home to the New Forest and Hampshire County Show.
The event complemented the existing planting project at the 230-acre New Park site.
Denis Dooley, Chief Executive of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, said: ‘We have a great number of trees here including many beautiful oaks, hedging species, and mixed and ancient woodland. For some years we have had a tree planting programme in place, overseen by our dedicated volunteer Martin Fletcher who ensures that we are continually planting trees to sustain the stock.
‘Taking inspiration from the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative, we were keen to involve the community and expand our planting project, creating a living legacy for future generations of visitors to New Park to enjoy.’
The 70 oak trees will make a real impact and enhance the natural beauty of New Park while creating important new habitats for the wide array of wildlife there, including birds, invertebrates, mosses, lichens and fungi.
Trees are also vital for many environmental factors including climate change, flood prevention, carbon sequestration and cleaner air.
The event was made possible thanks to funding from Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Forest Partnership, which aims to plant one million trees in Hampshire by 2050.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the County Council’s Executive Member for Countryside and Regulatory Services, said: ‘A massive thank you to everyone who has given up their time to plant these beautiful new oak trees. This will create a wonderful leafy legacy at New Park that should last for centuries. The Hampshire Forest Partnership is all about bringing people and communities together to enjoy their environment and help us to deliver our target of planting one million trees across the county by 2050.’
Families taking part in the event not only helped plant the trees but enjoyed fun educational activities from Paul Brockman of Woodlander Coppice as well as the New Forest National Park rangers.
Prof. Gavin Parker, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Trees and woodlands are a key feature of the natural beauty of the New Forest and they also make an important contribution to the appearance of towns and villages within the area.
‘It was great to have so many people come along to help plant these oak trees, and learn more about the New Forest National Park, which is internationally-important for nature.’
Denis added: ‘This is an exciting step for the Society’s new education project and one of many activities we will be holding this year. We look forward to continuing to work with both Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority to show the local community the benefits of spending time in nature.’
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About the New Forest Agricultural Show Society
The New Forest Agricultural Show Society is a registered charity, established in 1920, with a charitable remit to ‘promote and encourage the development of agriculture, forestry, equestrianism and horticulture’. We are lucky enough to be custodians of beautiful New Park, which we lease on a long-term basis from Forestry England.
Media contacts:
- Katie Barrow, Education Officer, katie@newforestshow.co.uk Tel: 01590 622400
- Jo Dooley, Education and Community Officer, jo@newparkfarm.org Tel: 01590 622400
About Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Forest Partnership
The Hampshire Forest Partnership is coordinated by Hampshire County Council with the aim of bringing communities and organisations together to plant one million trees by 2050. This is delivering a leafy legacy that provides improvements to our environment now and in the future. Find out more and how to get involved: Hampshire Forest Partnership | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)
Media contacts:
- Hilary Merrett, Communications Team Leader, communications@hants.gov.uk Tel: 03707 794025.
- Emily Roberts, Senior Project Manager, roberts@hants.gov.uk Tel: 07927 591310
About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect – Enjoy – Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
- Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park – Protect.
- Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.
We also have a duty to:
- Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.
The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Media contact:
Maria Court, Senior Communications Officer. Email: Maria.Court@newforestnpa.gov.uk. Tel: 01590 646650
