Amelia Gabriel, Programme Manager at PeCAN, with Eleanor Hill and Jenny Griffiths with the fruit trees ready for collection

Alton Climate Action Network (ACAN) joined with Petersfield Climate Action Network’s in their ‘A Fruit Tree In Every Garden’ project this winter and distributed 100 fruit trees to residents in the Alton area. 

Supported by grants from East Hampshire District Council and Petersfield Town Council, over the previous two winters PeCAN distributed over 380 fruit trees in Petersfield, but this year alone they sold 570 trees for gardens across East Hampshire!  That’s 950 trees in total under this project, so far.  

The trees would usually cost over £30 plus delivery but thanks to funding, they were available for only £15, including a stake and tie. Happy recipients us that they were “thrilled” with their trees and couldn’t wait to plant them and watch them grow.  

Amelia Gabriel, programme manager at Petersfield Climate Action Network, said: “We are delighted with the success of the fruit tree project this year and very pleased that so many people across East Hampshire are doing their bit to boost biodiversity.”

“Trees are a valuable addition to any garden but particularly important in residential areas, where they can help with climate regulation and air filtration and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.”

“With almost half of Britain’s ancient woodland having been destroyed in the last 50 years, the need for these habitats is greater than ever, and you can help by planting a tree in your garden.”  

Fruit trees offer blossom in spring, fruit to eat, carbon dioxide sequestration, and a fantastic resource for wildlife and pollinators all year round in the form of nesting places and materials, food sources and cover.  

In England alone, the total area of gardens is 459% larger than the total area of the National Nature Reserves, so the potential significance of gardens as a resource for wildlife is clear.  

Trees were collected from Petersfield, Alton, Liphook and Rowlands Castle on the morning Saturday 11 February 2023. To register your interest in purchasing fruit trees next winter, please fill out a form here:  petersfieldcan.org/projects/trees