New Scheme Aims to Help the Borough’s Young Trees Through the Dry Summer Months

New scheme aims to help the borough’s young trees through the dry summer months

People in the borough are being encouraged to join a new initiative to help water young trees across Basingstoke and Deane during the summer months.

‘Water Me’ gives residents the opportunity to help support Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s watering programme by providing the trees with additional water when the weather is dry. Each tree will have a label attached to it and residents are encouraged to find their nearest one and to help to water it – preferably using recycled water such as washing up or rain water.

The council plants a number new trees every year and waters them during their first year of growth. This year there are 183 trees included in the council’s watering schedule.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “Every year we plant additional trees providing a positive contribution to the borough’s natural environment, a habitat for wildlife and to help shape our landscape. The council carries out a rigorous programme of watering during the summer months but when it is particularly dry, our residents can help by providing extra water, to ensure that these young trees have the very best chance.”