Barry's Meadow Community Planting Initiatives
- Els Kenney
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Barry's Meadow, nestled in the heart of Titchfield, has long been a cherished green space for locals and visitors alike. In recent years, the Earl of Southampton Trust—in collaboration with community groups—has undertaken significant planting projects to enhance the meadow's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Bulb Planting to Brighten the Meadow
In November 2021, The Earl of Southampton Trust organised two bulb planting sessions, partnering with Titchfield Gardeners Club and Titchfield Primary School. These events saw enthusiastic participation from community members, including children, who collectively planted approximately 500 bulbs.
Generous donations from local businesses and organisations made this initiative possible. A huge thank you to:
...And many other individual contributors!
The planting days were truly a community effort, with Daisy B’s Kitchen kindly providing drinks for volunteers and goodie bags for the children who helped. The bulbs will bloom in the spring, bringing a vibrant display of colour to Barry’s Meadow—a lasting testament to the hard work and generosity of everyone involved.
With such a positive response, plans are already being developed to expand the planting next year, creating an even more ambitious project to improve both the appearance of the meadow and support The Earl of Southampton Trust's commitment to the ‘Greening of Titchfield Project’, spearheaded by Fareham Borough Council.
Establishing a Copse for the Queen's Jubilee
In 2022, aligning with the 'Plant a Tree for the Queen's Jubilee' scheme and Fareham Borough Council's greening initiatives, The Earl of Southampton Trust joined forces with the Titchfield Village Trust to plant a copse at the top of Barry's Meadow. The project involved removing brambles to clear the area for planting native tree species. The community was invited to participate by donating trees, with individuals, streets, organisations, and businesses contributing to the cause. This collective effort aimed to plant approximately 100 trees, each spaced 3 to 5 metres apart, thereby enriching the meadow's ecological diversity and providing a lasting tribute to the Queen's Jubilee.
Photos from Spring 2025:
Continued Commitment to Environmental Enhancement
The Earl of Southampton Trust's dedication to improving Barry's Meadow has been unwavering. In February 2024, the Trust planned an additional planting session, introducing 50 woodland trees to further enhance the area's natural appeal. This initiative underscores The Earl of Southampton Trust's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.
The collaborative planting efforts in Barry's Meadow exemplify the power of community engagement in environmental conservation. Through partnerships and shared vision, The Earl of Southampton Trust and the Titchfield community have transformed the meadow into a flourishing habitat, ensuring its beauty and ecological value for future generations.
