We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and increasing climate change resilience to protect our environment, infrastructure, and communities.

At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens we’re working to:

• reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
• increase biodiversity
• become as resilient as possible to climate change issues.

Our plans include:

• using our land and built estate to sequester carbon
• reducing our reliance on petrol and diesel tools and machinery
• considering climate impacts when buying or promoting products and services
• promoting changes that we can all make at work and home.

Find out more information about Hampshire County Council’s response to climate change.

Changes we’re making

Using our land to sequester carbon

We look after over 12,000 different kinds of plants and we’re adding new ones every year. Many are deep-rooted, helping to lock in carbon above and below ground. We’re also monitoring the effects of new diseases, drier summers and stormier winters on our existing plants including over 600 Champion Trees.

We’re also tidying up in a different way. For example, when storms damage plants we often create “dead hedges”, barriers constructed from foliage, small limbs, twigs, and fallen branches.

Creating a dead hedge allows material to decompose, without burning any material or bringing in heavy machinery which can damage the soil. While burning plants releases CO2 into the air, leaving it to rot helps lock carbon into the soil. Woodlice and insects gnaw old wood in dead hedges and animals such as birds, lizards and small mammals use dead hedges for homes, shelter, and as food sources. Honeysuckle grows through attracting pollinating insects.

Find out how to construct log walls or dead hedges and increase biodiversity into your garden in our video.

Reducing our reliance on petrol and diesel tools and machinery

We’ve reduced how often and where we mow. For example, our Wildflower Meadow has gone from 32 to eight mowing days per year. This has led to reduced mower emissions and a huge increase in wildflowers and wildlife. Meadows are a great place to learn in and enjoy, and they also provide a space for carbon sequestration and oxygen-releasing photosynthesis.

Learn more about our meadows.

Sometimes we don’t use machines at all. Visit Woods of the World and you’ll see our fleet of pigs helping to maintain our woodland by turning soil and fertilising the land.

How we use water

We’re exempt from most hosepipe bans because of the importance of our collection, but we know that cutting back on water use is important to protect aquifers and wildlife habitats globally. We don’t water during the heat of the day, and we’ve installed water-butts and targeted watering systems where we can.

Our buildings use low flush systems, and wastewater is treated on site. Water from the Visitor and Education Pavilion is channelled into a retaining pool edged with living willows to encourage reabsorption and reduce erosion.

Electric vehicles (EV) and public transportation

We have two EV charging points available at our Visitor and Education Pavilion so you can recharge your vehicles while you enjoy your visit and contribute to lowering carbon emissions.

With regular bus links from Winchester and Romsey and nearby footpaths, getting here is even easier. The bus stop “Hillier Arboretum” is on our drive and just 400m from the ticket office. Use a search tool like this one to help you find your way.

We aim to inspire our visitors to make lifestyle changes to reduce waste, reuse and recycle where possible. Check out Smart Living or what can I do for extra tips.