The leader of East Hampshire District Council is turning a new leaf as money from a new budget will go towards a tree-planting scheme in Petersfield.

It seems Cllr Richard Millard is going green as he is dedicating money from his new Leader Priority Budget to plant and maintain trees in the town’s Central Car Park.

Cherry, maple and hawthorn trees will be among the eight planted with work also taking place to improve and maintain existing trees and plants in the area.

The council has been criticised by environmentalists in recent years for felling a number of trees without warning around the car park, with the matter being raised at the annual meeting of the town in early 2026.

The new specimens, which have been chosen for their suitability to conditions in the area and ornamental value, are intended to replace dying and dead trees that have recently been removed.

The project is the first that will receive funding from the leader’s £150,000 fund recently launched to support projects across East Hampshire.

Cllr Millard said: “We have heard calls from local people in Petersfield that they wanted more trees in central car park after the unhealthy ones were taken away.

"These beautiful new trees will provide shade for our shoppers and habitats for our wildlife and will turn one of the town’s busiest gateways into a greener more attractive space.

“This is the first of the schemes supported by my Leader Priority Budget and I hope it will be one of many that provide a lasting legacy across East Hampshire.”

The scheme will include general maintenance of existing trees and the use of tiger mulch and root guards.

Work is expected to take place during April and May and be completed by Foremost Tree Surgeons.