National Park approaches tree planting target

The South Downs National Park said it is getting closer to its target of planting 100,000 trees by the time it marks its 15th birthday in 2025.

The latest work will see almost 20,300 saplings planted in five sites in Sussex and Hampshire, including 400 disease-resistant elms.

A total of 75,000 trees have already been planted as part of the Trees for the Downs scheme, which sees groups and individuals donate to the project.

The trust which fundraises for the park is looking to generate interest for the next planting season.

Contributors in 2024 have included American Express, South East Water, the University of Sussex, the London to Brighton EV rally and the Boomtown Festival in Hampshire.

The trust has also supported the creation of 3.42 hectares (8.45 acres) of new woodland at Rough House Farm, Elsted, West Sussex.

Up to 4,500 trees are also being planted over two years in the Hampshire Hangers, which run between Farnham and Petersfield, as part of landscape enhancements led by National Grid.

Nick Heasman, countryside and policy manager for the National Park, said: "The treescape that makes up almost a quarter of the South Downs National Park and is a vital resource for the entire South East is under unprecedented threat from pests and diseases, as well as climate change.

“Increasing the number and diversity of our native trees and carefully introducing new species into the landscape is going to be a big help in responding to all these threats and help to reverse biodiversity loss."

The National Park was created in the South Downs in March 2010.

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