Isle Of Wight Council Invites Residents To Help Plant Trees And Hedgerows Across The Island

The Isle of Wight Council is stepping up efforts to support biodiversity and improve green spaces, thanks to new funding that will see hundreds of trees and hedgerows planted across the Island.

Through funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), awarded via The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund, the Council will plant 100 standard trees made up of mixed native species, alongside 200 metres of nature-friendly hedgerow.

Community volunteers are now being invited to take part in a series of planting days running throughout January and February, helping to bring the project to life at several locations around the Island.

Most of the planting sites are in The Bay area, where the new trees and hedgerows will help connect wildlife corridors, boost biodiversity, and provide much-needed canopy cover and shade for future generations.

The Trees Outside Woodland Fund provides grants of up to £40,000 for local authorities and charities to grow trees in publicly accessible areas or spaces that benefit the wider community.

The Isle of Wight Council was successful in securing funding for projects across The Bay and three additional Island locations.

Tony Gillingham, Tree Officer at the Isle of Wight Council, said the funding will deliver long-term benefits for both people and nature.

“This grant gives us a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for nature, not just in the Bay area, which is where we are focusing our efforts, but across three additional locations on the Island,” he said.

“Expanding tree canopies delivers multiple benefits — creating vital habitats and wildlife corridors, acting as carbon sinks, providing shade during hot summer months, and helping to slow floodwaters.

“As part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, this is a significant win.”

The Trees Outside Woodland Fund supports planting projects across England during the 2025/26 season, with all schemes required to use biosecure stock and be completed by March 2026.

Sara Lom, Chief Executive of The Tree Council, highlighted the importance of trees beyond traditional woodlands.

“Trees outside woodland are the trees we all come across most often — those in our parks, on our streets, and even the hedgerows that help capture carbon and act as heritage highways for wildlife,” she said.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Defra to offer this funding opportunity to benefit people, wildlife and our planet — and especially the Isle of Wight Council.”

Volunteer planting dates and locations

Residents are welcome to join Council tree officers between 10am and 3pm on the following dates:

• Lake Cliff Gardens, Sandown – 17 January

• Shanklin Cemetery – 22 and 24 January

• Coxes Green, Sandown – 29 January

• Foxes Park, Sandown – 5 February

• Browns Golf Course, Yaverland – 7 February

• Park Road Recreation Ground, Cowes – 12 February

• Appley Park, Ryde – 26 February

Volunteers are advised to wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear for outdoor work and to bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks if staying all day.

Planting will go ahead in most weather conditions, unless extreme conditions make it unsafe.

For more information or to get involved, contact sustainability@iow.gov.uk.

To find out more about The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund, visit treecouncil.org.uk.