Celebrating our volunteers' contributions across the Borough
A huge thank you to everyone involved
The year ended on a high as we celebrated our volunteers’ achievements across the Borough. They had given over 2,500 hours of their time throughout 2025, both indoors at our local theatres and outdoors at various sites or on our Health Walks.
Our conservation volunteers helped manage countryside sites, including tackling invasive species such as Himalayan balsam at Lakeside Country Park and planting trees at Hiltingbury Lakes. Hamble Conservation Volunteers cleared scrub at Hamble Common to protect sensitive habitats, while the Friends of Hocombe Mead group assisted with heathland management. All outdoor volunteers contributed towards our Biodiversity Action Plan.
At Itchen Valley Country Park, the dedicated volunteer team improved footpaths with additional drainage and by clearing vegetation, helping to keep the Country Park accessible and safe for visitors. When asked why he gave his time, one of the Itchen Valley volunteers said, “I love the countryside… and I love working as part of the team,” while Liz commented, “It’s my outdoor gym; it helped to keep me fit.”
The events volunteers at the Country Park stewarded recent large shows, including ABBA and Summer Sundowner, helping to provide an enjoyable night for all the residents who attended, by giving directions and checking tickets. Dressing up and dancing were optional!
The Plant Eastleigh team planted trees across the Borough and assisted with tree care during one of the hottest summers on record, helping to water and mulch new whips and saplings. Louise said she volunteered with the tree planting team because, “I wanted to be more active in improving the environment local to me.”
Over at Stoke Park Farm, our ecology volunteers had a busy year. They recorded over 480 species, including nationally rare examples such as marsh tits, skylarks, firecrests, hobbies, and barn owls, as well as purple hairstreak butterflies and multiple bat species. They did an amazing job documenting the wildlife.
Volunteering opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in throughout the year:
Visit our website with available roles.
- Lead a health walk
- Maintain our countryside or country parks
- Plant trees
- Steward at events
- Usher audiences into theatre performances
Visit our website for more information about our roles, and how to apply.