Support for tree planting projects across the district
More than 4,000 trees are being planted in the Chichester District as part of a series of tree planting projects funded through Chichester District Council’s Tree Chichester District scheme.
The projects, which began last November and will be completed in March this year, include five community orchards in Selsey, Chichester and Fishbourne, two community tree nurseries in West Wittering and Selsey, as well as a new mini urban forest planted in Hambrook.
This work builds on a number of projects that form part of the council’s Tree Chichester District scheme, which has utilised funding from HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund to test different ways of increasing tree cover in rural and urban areas. Since the Tree Chichester District scheme was launched in January 2021, nearly 25,000 trees have been planted, or allocated for planting, across the district through 175 individual projects.
Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council, said: “It’s been fantastic to have been able to support so many organisations and landowners with their tree planting projects, which is helping to increase tree cover across the district and boost our local environment.
“Some of the projects that
we’ve funded include the planting of new community orchards — these are collections of fruit trees grown in public spaces and shared by residents. One has been planted in Selsey by the Selsey Community Forum — the Hidden Garden — and another
by Hyde Housing in Kingsham. A further orchard has been planted in Chichester by the East Broyle Residents’ Association, and we’re also pleased to have been able to plant some fruit trees on the site of our short-stay accommodation, which supports those facing homelessness.
“We’ve also funded the enhancement of Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group’s community tree nursery in West Wittering. This money has paid for a new raised bed, which will help to expand the nursery. In Selsey, we have helped to fund the development of a completely new community tree nursery, and work is currently underway. The trees planted in these nurseries will be nurtured and grown until they are ready to be replanted in the local community.
“Funding was also allocated to private landowners to plant trees in areas such as Loxwood and Lavant. As part of this, work has been undertaken to enhance hedgerows, which provide important wildlife corridors for a number of different species.”
Sarah Parker, Property Manager at Fishbourne Roman Palace, said: “For 2,000 years, the Palace has occupied a prime position between Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. The site is still an important nature corridor, and — through this scheme — we’re able to provide trees to support local wildlife and the wider biodiversity of the area.
“We are thrilled that this funding has enabled community engagement as part of our wider ongoing community programme, and it was wonderful that pupils and staff from Fishbourne Primary School were able to help our Head Gardener, Simon, plant the community orchard. Celebrating the biodiversity within our 12-acre site is very special to us.”