Since 2024 Winchester Rotary Club has been running a project to plant Elm trees resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. The focus is on schools and public places in the Winchester area. We have now planted over 150 Elm trees in 15 locations as part of a broader scientific trial to test the disease resistance of a variety of Elm cultivars. Hampshire Forest Partnership run the trial and supplies the Elms; we select locations and plant them.
This year, we planted 53 in 10 locations, including 7 schools and Winchester Science Centre.
A typical visit to a school involves the children, usually from their nature club. It starts with a talk to the children about the iconic Elm tree that used to dominate the English landscape and how, sadly, they were decimated by Dutch Elm Disease, a fungus introduced with the large elm bark beetle, from North America. We also talk about the White-letter hairstreak butterfly, which needs Elm to survive because its caterpillar feeds solely on Elm flowers. The children react enthusiastically with plenty of questions.
Following the talk, we get to work digging holes. Enthusiasm remains high, and each child wants to have a turn digging the hole or hammering a stake in to help stabilise the tree. The ritual continues with the placement of the tree guard, followed by the highlight of the planting when the children name their tree and sign their names on the guard to record their endeavour.
Many thanks to all Rotary members and volunteers who helped with planting, and to Hampshire Forest Partnership for supplying the trees. Also, thanks to the schools and other landowners for participating. We look forward to seeing plenty of Elm trees and White-letter hairstreak butterflies in the future.
