Brighterway Living Memory Tree Planting Initiative Promotes More Green Spaces
Brighterway’s Living Memory Tree Planting Initiative recently planted 20 young adult trees at Tatchbury Mount to support greener NHS spaces. This is part of an ambitious initiative to plant one million trees across the county by 2050, as per Brighterway’s collaboration with Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Forest Partnership.
The trees – including Lime, Rowan, Hawthorn, Indian Horse Chestnut and the resilient Elm – not only help restore woodlands lost to storms and disease, but also act as living symbols of remembrance and recovery. Further plantings are planned at additional Trust sites in the next planting season.
Supporting mental health and local ecology
Contributing to a wider mental health and well-being enhancement strategy, the trees will transform NHS grounds into calming, restorative environments.
“We are working with Brighterway to completely transform our outdoor areas into spaces that are visually appealing, calming, and stimulating,” reflected Samuel Ojo, Modern Matron at Southfields Low Secure Unit. “Many of our service users enjoy gardening and nature, and having this revitalised space will be hugely beneficial to their mental health and well-being.”
Brighterway is the charity of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, so their green initiative aligns with the NHS Trust’s environmental sustainability goals and Green Plan. This centres on reducing its ecological footprint while enhancing spaces for staff, patients, and visitors alike. The trees will become living monuments to the values of care, remembrance, and community as they grow.
Julia Forder, Site Manager at Tatchbury Mount, discussed the initiative’s long-term legacy: “While many of us may not be here to see these trees reach full maturity, it’s rewarding to know we’ve contributed to something that will benefit future generations. Our buildings are named after trees, so this project is deeply connected to the site’s history. Seeing these trees grow will be a legacy we can all be proud of.”
Adopt a tree to support Brighterway
Each tree is available for adoption as a living memorial in exchange for a donation to Brighterway. With its own identity tag – and the potential to include a personalised Memory Plaque – each tree offers a deeply personal way to commemorate a loved one while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
Send an enquiry or register your interest by emailing phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk.
The suggested donation is £150, which includes both the tree and name plaque. Cost per tree to be confirmed.
