Supporting the ENVIRONMENT- Tree planting at Otterbourne Hill

Eastleigh Rotary and Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill are making a difference in our community by helping Eastleigh Borough reach its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

In January 2020, during a few days break from the continuous winter rain, we planted over 200 native tree species in the grounds of Otterbourne Hill Care Home. It is hoped that the mixed groves of birch, rowan and wild cherry will attract wildlife and give residents of the home an added attraction of feeding and singing birds. The new hedge of field maple will also provide nesting sites for some birds.

Soon after we had planted the rain started again but then… we had one of the driest and warmest Spring’s on record. As the summer arrived with little rain, we thought that all our efforts would be wasted!  We just blamed “Climate Change” and thought “what will be our next Rotary Environment Project.

At the end of August, we ventured out from the restrictions of Covid-19 and were surprised that most of the trees (saplings) had survived along with a good crop of weeds. What a relief and more work to be done!