AROUND 1,000 native saplings have been planted on Compton Down with the help of residents and volunteers.
City and county councillor Jan Warwick joined the Hampshire County Council countryside team to plant the trees along Hurdle Way.
A mixture of native beech, field maple, hazel, yew and disease-resistant elms were planted to restore the natural forest and support local wildlife.
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The countryside team will extend the hedgerow and also restore any gaps in the existing hedge. The saplings were carefully planted and protected from the prevailing wind and animals until they are established.
Cllr Warwick said: “Many trees suffering with ash-die back disease were removed from this area by contractors at the end of 2023 and residents were understandably concerned about the impact on local biodiversity and the natural environment. The Hampshire countryside team have produced a very thorough mitigation plan to help restore and improve this area. I am particularly grateful and would like to say a very big thank you to the large number of countryside volunteers who joined local residents to plant so many trees.”
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