Planting the Future: Over 650 Trees for One Horton Heath

The One Horton Heath (OHH) development has planted over 650 trees around the site as part of an ongoing ecology and sustainability plan for this ‘growing’ community. The initiative was funded by Eastleigh Borough Council, with help from local tree enthusiasts, making it a cornerstone of local biodiversity. 

The trees were cultivated from local specimens near the development area, with planting efforts beginning when work on OHH commenced in 2020. Some of the saplings, now five years old, were grown at the on-site nursery and require a couple of seasons of growth before being transplanted to strengthen their resilience and hardiness. 

The nursery is a hub of activity, with dedicated volunteers assisting in non-chemical weed control, planting, and year-round care under the guidance of the Council’s Rangers.

The tree species selected for the project include Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Beech, Blackthorn, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, and the English Oak – a clear favourite among the team. The English Oak is a keystone species, supporting up to 1,000 different species, including plants, fungi, lichens, and a variety of insects. Many of these insects, such as caterpillars and larvae that feed on oak leaves, are vital to the local ecosystem as they provide a crucial food source for birds and other wildlife. As oaks are wind-pollinated, they don’t rely on insects for pollination, but the surrounding wildflowers will attract pollinators and other insects to the site, further enriching biodiversity.

Wildflowers are encouraged to grow alongside the trees at the Nursery. These not only enhance the visual appeal of the area but also boost biodiversity and pollination by attracting a variety of insects, especially during the summer. Among the visitors expected are butterflies, diurnal moths, Jersey tiger moths, hummingbird hawk-moths, and oak eggers.

Pictures taken by local photographers. Credit to Andy Barker (Images 2, 3, and 5, John Vetterlein and Phil Budd (Images 1 and 4)

Most of the trees for the development have come directly from the local nursery, with additional trees sourced from nearby suppliers to increase the variety of species. This local approach ensures the project supports regional biodiversity and is tailored to the area’s unique environment.

Aerial view of local OHH Tree Nursery

Benefits of planting trees

• Trees lock up carbon to fight climate change 
• Trees reduce pollution and flooding
• Trees provide natural flood management and improve water quality 
• Trees support people and wildlife 
• They also support pollinators – by creating a safe refuge for them all year round and providing a reliable food source and have been known to reduce stress levels and general health and well-being. 

🌳 If you would like to learn more or get involved with the project, visit the dedicated website for Plant Eastleigh.