v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v 20th November 2025 • The HERALD • Page 67 • All types of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned • Stump Grinding • Hedges pruned & trimmed • Lawns Laid • Fencing & garden work • Rubbish Clearance • Patios & drives jet-washed • Patios & Drives resurfaced or replaced Registerd Waste Carrier Licence CBDU374716 H Fully Insured H Evening: 01794 522092 Daytime Mobile: 07511 863693 Email: treefellers@gmx.com DOWN THE GARDEN PATH Fred Hurst 023 8084 2191 or 07761 467217 • Grass Cutting • Garden Clearance • Hedge Cutting • Fallen Trees Cleared • Mini Digger Hire with Operator • Property Clearance • Small Demolition • Tractor Flail Cutting FULLY INSURED v FREE QUOTATIONS New Forest Gains Vital Guardian Against Invasive Non-Native Plants Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly Fitzgerald as the New Forest Non-Native Plants O cer. Holly succeeds Catherine Chatters, who retired this autumn a er over 16 years of dedicated service at the Trust. Following in Catherine’s footsteps, Holly will continue to work in partnership with local landowners and land managers to stop the spread of invasive nonnative plants in the New Forest area. Many non-native plants, originally introduced for horticulture, have become invasive in the New Forest, threatening native species and habitats, particularly along watercourses and in wetland areas. Plants such as Himalayan balsam were introduced in the Victorian era as ornamental garden plants but have ‘jumped the garden fence’, outcompeting native wild owers. Japanese knotweed is a notorious invasive non-native plant as its underground rhizomes can cause structural damage. Giant hogweed, also introduced as a horticultural plant, has invaded riverbanks and is a health hazard as its toxic sap can cause burning blisters on human skin, particularly in bright sunlight. Holly is passionate about the New Forest and is keen to raise awareness about the need to protect this very special place from the problems caused by invasive nonnative plants which spread into the wild. Holly Fitzgerald, New Forest Non-Native Plants O cer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Nonnative garden plants can become invasive if they colonise the countryside and cause environmental, economic, or social problems.” In line with the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat’s ‘Be Plant Wise’ campaign, Holly is asking gardeners to take steps this autumn to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species. To support this initiative, Holly urges the public to follow three simple steps: • Know what you grow: Choose the right plants for your garden, pond, and water features. • Compost with care: Dispose of your unwanted plants, roots, weeds, and seeds responsibly. • Stop the spread: Keep your plants in your garden - don’t plant them in the countryside or allow them to grow in the wild. Catherine Chatters added: “Working for the Trust and helping to protect the New Forest from invasive nonnative plants has been a true privilege. I’m delighted that Holly is taking on this role. There’s still a lot of important work to be done and I know Holly will bring her own passion and dedication to continue safeguarding this very special place.” e New Forest Non-Native Plants Project is a partnership initiative hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, focused on stopping the spread of invasive nonnative plants across the New Forest. Holly will play a key role in the project, working closely with landowners, land managers, volunteers, and professional contractors to control plants such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, American skunk cabbage, and parrot’s feather. e project also raises awareness, provides advice and has undertaken research relating to invasive non-native plants. For more information on how to ‘Be Plant Wise’ and help stop the spread of invasive non-native plants, visit: nonnativespecies. org. To learn more about the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, website: hiwwt.org.uk/ new-forest-non-nativeplants Holly Fitzgerald helping control Himalayan balsam in the New Forest (Credit: Catherine Chatters) Holly adds: “It’s very important to dispose of your surplus garden plants responsibly. Garden pond plants such as parrot’s feather, New Zealand pygmyweed and water primrose cause serious problems if they are dumped or planted in the wild as they can spread rapidly and dominate ecologically sensitive wetland habitats, harming our precious native flora”. The Journey Begins! A er collecting almost 200 gi - lled shoeboxes from the local community, Hythe & Waterside Rotary (H&W) delivered them to the Wessex Rotary Shoebox Appeal depot in Boscombe. Here they are gathered and prepared for the next step of the journey, Eastern Europe, where they are distributed to disadvantaged and displaced children to spread a little happiness at Christmas time. H&W Rotary would like to thank all those who donated boxes, Meadens of Hythe for the use of a delivery van, and to Algeco of Marchwood who provided the storage facilities prior to going to Boscombe. Rotarians Maurice Rowles, Jean & Charlie Adams at the Boscombe depot. Fawley Yuletide Fayre Returns with Festive Cheer and Family Fun Mark your calendars and wrap up warm - Fawley’s much-loved Yuletide Fayre is back and promises to be more magical than ever! Taking place on Saturday 6th December from 4pm to 7pm, this festive favourite will once again transform the heart the village into a winter wonderland for all ages. Returning by popular demand is the charming little steam engine, ready to whisk families away on delightful rides through the twinkling lights and festive cheer. Children will also be thrilled to see the donkeys, o ering gentle rides and plenty of photo opportunities. No Yuletide celebration would be complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gi from the man in red himself. ere will be games and activities for children, ensuring smiles and laughter throughout the evening. e Fayre will feature a wonderful mix of indoor and outdoor stalls, perfect for picking up unique gi s, handmade cra s, and delicious seasonal treats. Whether you’re looking for that perfect present or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. Adding to the magic, a local choir, Brass band and other entertainment will ll the air with the sounds of the season, performing classic carols and festive favourites to warm the heart. Enjoy some mulled wine, hot chocolate, homemade cakes and hot chestnuts. Not forgetting the Waterside Chritsmas Fire Engine will also be in attendance. Organised by the dedicated Fawley Events Committee, this year’s Fayre is set to be a joyful celebration of community spirit, tradition, and holiday cheer. So gather your loved ones, don your cosiest scarves, and go along to make memories that will last a lifetime.
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