Join the Million Trees Challenge
Hampshire Forest Partnership is on a mission to plant one million trees by 2050, and we need you to make it happen.
Together, we can contribute to the global effort against climate change and make Hampshire a greener place to live – not just for now, but for generations to come.
If everyone in Hampshire planted a tree, we could easily hit our target.
What does the challenge involve?
All you need to do to join the challenge is plant a tree, or many trees! This could be in your garden, or a park, school, or community space.
Once you’ve planted your trees or hedges, tell us about them by completing our surveys. We will then add your planting to our tree and hedge tracker map, celebrating the spread of new trees and hedges across the county.
Remember to ensure you have the landowner’s permission before planting. If you don’t have access to a space suitable for planting, you can also make a donation and we can help plant a tree on your behalf.
Why plant trees?
By planting trees and hedges, you can help provide a home for wildlife and a stepping stone for nature to move between habitats. Hedges are particularly vital for hedgehogs, which have recently been declared Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Why trees are terrific
Trees have so many benefits for us, our environment and our wildlife. But although tree cover in the UK is expanding, there are continuing declines in native species. Here are a few reasons why trees are fantastic:
- Trees make the air healthier for us to breathe.
- They provide vital habitat, food and protection for our wildlife. Did you know an oak tree can support up to 2,300 species?
- They are important for pollinators and can be an early source of pollen, giving butterflies and bees a necessary boost after winter.
- They provide shade and help cool us down by cooling the air temperature around them. They can cool air between 2-8°C, saving energy needed to cool buildings.
- Being around trees and green spaces can reduce stress and improve our mental and physical health. Planting and maintaining a tree can be good exercise. Being outside in nature and gardening promotes healthy living. You can burn about 200 – 300 calories an hour when carrying out light tree planting activities.
- They also make our communities more pleasant places to live.
Why hedges help
We have lost half of the UK’s hedges in the last 75 years – that’s nearly one million kilometres of hedgerow. Bringing more hedges back to Hampshire will provide us and our wildlife with many benefits.
- Like trees, hedges help reduce pollution. They also act as sound barriers, helping to reduce noise from roads and other sources.
- They offer shelter, nesting sites, and food for a variety of wildlife. Hedges with flowering plants can also be an important source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- They can create natural privacy screens and boundaries for properties that are aesthetically pleasing, whilst allowing wildlife to move through them.
- The roots of hedge plants can also stabilise the soil, reducing erosion and runoff.
- Being around green spaces, including hedges, can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Gardening and maintaining hedges can also be a great form of exercise.
- Hedges add visual interest and structure to gardens and landscapes, making them more attractive and enjoyable.
Help us reach the next step towards our goal!
We have only just begun in our journey and have a lot more trees to plant to reach our goal.
So far, more than 50,000 new trees have been planted.
Get started
As part of the challenge, there are three key steps to follow:
- Plan
- Plant
- Plot
1. Plan
Make sure you put the right tree or hedge in the right place.
- Check you have the landowner’s permission before planting.
- Consider planting native species and ensure you choose the right species for the right conditions to help them thrive.
- Ensure there is enough space for your tree or hedge to grow to full size! A hedge can require a width of up to a metre or more if you want to create a hedge that is good for wildlife.
A beginner’s guide to tree planting
Hampshire's Countryside Service tell you all you need to know about planting your tree - what, how, where, when and why.
Funding and giveaways
If you have or know a space where you would like to plant trees, make sure you sign up to receive updates on our funding opportunities and giveaways.
2. Plant
Grab your spade and get stuck in!
The best time to plant a tree is during the dormant season between November to March and when the ground isn’t frozen or flooded. The earlier in the dormant season the better, as planting during this time gives the trees time to establish their roots before the growing season begins, ensuring a healthy start.
Consider using tree guards to protect your tree or a stake to provide stability.
Remove all grass up to 50cm from the tree stem and mulch the bare soil to retain moisture. Keep the mulch from touching the tree trunk.
Remember the bigger the tree or hedge you plant, the more water it will need in the first few years until it is established.
For more top planting tips, watch the video below by our friends at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. You can also see How to plant a tree from RHS.
3. Plot
Once you’ve planted your tree or hedge, remember to plot them on our tree and hedge tracker map by completing our survey.
If you’ve planted lots of trees in the same location, you can tell us within the same survey.
Creating a legacy in leaves
Planting is only the beginning. Trees and hedges can live a long time, spanning generations. To ensure you create a lasting legacy, here are some aftercare tips on how you can give them the best start and help them thrive for years to come. You can also help other trees in your local area by becoming a tree guardian.
Next steps: Find out how to look after your trees in summer