Brighterway’s Living Memory Trees Grow a Legacy Through Healing Spaces

Four people plant a young tree, with the man closest to camera using a spade.

Brighterway’s Living Memory tree planting initiative launched at Tatchbury Mount as part of its commitment to enhancing NHS green spaces and promoting emotional wellbeing.

In partnership with the Hampshire Forest Partnership, 20 trees – such as Lime, Rowan, Indian Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn, and sturdy Elms – have been planted to help restore lost woodland and create a peaceful, natural environment for all who visit or work at the site.

Four smiling people stand in a row holding shovels and tree planting tools

The Living Memory tree effort supports the wider goal of planting one million trees across Hampshire by 2050, and directly contributes to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Green Plan for environmental sustainability.

Honour a Loved One with a Tree

You can support this fantastic campaign by adopting a tree in memory of someone special. Each adopted tree includes a unique identity tag and may include a custom Memory Plaque. Think of the trees as living tributes that will grow into lasting symbols of remembrance and renewal.

Suggested donation: £150 (includes tree and plaque – subject to confirmation).

To enquire or register your interest, please email phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk.

A freshly planted young tree stands in its supportive wooden fence in a green space on a Hampshire NHS site.

Greener Spaces for Better Well-being

While the initiative is about environmental stewardship, it’s also intended to improve spaces for healing and recovery. By planting these trees, outdoor areas at NHS sites are being revitalised to provide tranquil, therapeutic environments that support patient recovery, staff morale, and biodiversity.

“Transforming our outdoor areas into beautiful, calming spaces is a vital part of supporting mental health,” says Samuel Ojo, Modern Matron at Southfields. “Many service users benefit from time in nature, and these changes are making a real difference.”

Four people plant a young adult tree outdoors. — From Left to Right: Samuel Ojo, Brian Huggell, Julia Forder, Phil Pride

As the trees take root and grow, they’ll offer shade, beauty, and a sense of connection – creating a green legacy that benefits generations to come.

In the words of Julia Forder, Site Manager at Tatchbury Mount: “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.”

Watch our campaign video

Four smiling people work together to plant trees at a Hampshire NHS site

Planting Roots for the Future: Brighterway Charity Leads Tree Planting Initiative to Boost Flourishing Green Spaces

Brighterway, the charity of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has marked a significant milestone in its environmental sustainability efforts with the completion of the latest phase of a tree planting initiative at Tatchbury Mount. This project, part of Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Forest Partnership initiative and its ambitious plan to plant one million trees across the county by 2050, is transforming NHS sites into flourishing green spaces that promote well-being and biodiversity.

Brighterway Charity Leads Tree Planting Initiative to Boost Flourishing Green Spaces at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

The newly planted trees, including disease-resistant elms, will restore woodland lost to storms and disease while creating a vibrant environment for patients, staff, and visitors. This initiative builds on Brighterway’s ongoing partnership with the Hampshire Forest Partnership and aligns with the Trust’s green plan to balance its environmental impact and support the fight against climate change.

Julia Forder, Site Manager at Tatchbury Mount, reflected on the lasting importance of the project: “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.”

The project is not only about planting trees but creating spaces that enhance the recovery environment for patients. Samuel Ojo, Modern Matron for Southfields Low Secure Unit, highlighted the therapeutic impact: “We are working with Brighterway to completely transform our outdoor areas into spaces that are visually appealing, calming, and stimulating. 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’s involvement stems from its broader commitment to supporting staff and patient well-being and environmental sustainability. Phil Pride, Brighterway Charity’s Manager, emphasised the importance of green spaces: “Nature is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. This project is part of our wider effort to develop gardens and green spaces across the Trust, ensuring patients, staff, and visitors benefit from environments that promote recovery and relaxation.”

The tree planting at Tatchbury Mount is the first phase of a long-term plan to green NHS sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. As the trees grow, they will form the next generation of woodland and reinforce the hospital grounds’ reputation as a sanctuary for both people and wildlife.