Southampton Airport has joined forces with Carma Earth and local veterans to enhance biodiversity at South Stoneham Cemetery.
As part of an agreement with Southampton City Council, airport staff and veterans are working together to create a greener, more wildlife-friendly space.
The project, delivered in partnership with Carma Earth, will establish a new wildlife corridor along the cemetery’s northeast boundary. This initiative aims to improve habitats for local species, boost biodiversity, and provide veterans with a meaningful opportunity to share their skills and experience in a community-led environmental effort.
Gavin Williams, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: "This project demonstrates how operational requirements can be balanced with environmental and community priorities. By working with veterans and local volunteers, we’ve been able to deliver a positive outcome that benefits wildlife and creates a lasting legacy for the community."
Jim Holland, who leads Carma Projects, specialises in initiatives that bring together ex-service personnel and local communities. His team worked closely with airport staff to ensure the planting was carried out to the highest standards, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and collaboration.
Jim said: “It has been a privilege to work with this team of veterans on such a meaningful initiative. For us, this project is not simply about planting hedgerows; it represents a continued commitment to serving the community. Collaborating with Southampton Airport employees has enabled us to harness the dedication and discipline of our ex-service personnel to create a thriving wildlife corridor that will enhance the cemetery’s environment for generations to come.”
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Southampton City Council, said: “The council is committed to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and to delivering social value for our communities through all our activities and I am delighted to see the opportunities created by Southampton Airport and Carma Earth through this project for ex-service personnel to apply their skills to enhance our environment.”
The hedgerow planting forms part of a wider package of improvements agreed with Southampton City Council, which includes the refurbishment of cemetery facilities and enhancements to nearby allotments. These measures underline Southampton Airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Southampton Airport brought forward proposals to Southampton City Council for works on trees within South Stoneham Cemetery in July following an audit by the Civil Aviation Authority which identified a number of trees that, for operational reasons, required felling or reductions.
Since then, Southampton Airport has been working with the council and local people to provide reassurance about how the works would take place in this very sensitive location and also how it would address the impacts of the works needed to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the airport.
Southampton Airport has agreed to:
- Fund the planting of 76 new trees to replace the 19 trees that need to be removed for operational reasons, including 31 new trees of appropriate species within South Stoneham Cemetery and 45 trees in the area around Bassett Green Road and Leaside way.
- Provide habitat enhancements within South Stoneham Cemetery, including a new wildlife corridor with native hedgerow planting along the northeast boundary of the cemetery, and native hedgerow, holly planting and installation of bat boxes along the eastern edge.
- Refurbish the Cemetery Chapel, Book of Remembrance room, Garden of Remembrance and Pond and Cemetery toilet block.
- Deliver improvements to the nearby allotment car park area, new taps and a new toilet.