Community get involved with New Milton town council’s ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative

NEW Milton residents joined the town council to plant new trees under an initiative to encourage community participation in creating a green canopy.

Mary Lunnon, mayor of New Milton David Hawkins and Cllr Geoff Blunden, chair of the amenities committee, planted a silver birch in green space near the playpark at Doe Copse Way during National Tree Week.

The site was chosen by Mary and her friend Lynne Ball to create a memorial to their late husbands.

Mary said: “I’ve planted this tree in memory of my husband Chris, who was a local businessman and loved living here. This is a very fitting tribute to him.”

More than 100 trees including hawthorn, flowering and wild cherry, and crab apple are set to be planted by the council at sites across New Milton

A community orchard will also take root early in the new year near the Community Garden Project at Fawcett’s Field.

Cllr Blunden said: “Taking part in National Tree Week as the UK’s largest annual tree celebration is extra special this year as it marks the 50th anniversary of the campaign ‘Plant a Tree for 73’ and the formation of the tree council.

“We are delighted to continue supporting the campaign with our community who are so enthusiastic about trees and want to get involved.

“It is great to meet and talk to local people and hear their stories, acknowledging how incredibly poignant it is to plant a tree as a living memorial to remember a loved one.”