East Hampshire Council apologises after pupils' mini‑forest at Herne Junior School is cut down

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) issued an apology after a "mini‑forest" of native trees planted by pupils at Herne Junior School in Petersfield was accidentally mowed down by contractors. The Miyawaki‑style micro‑forest, funded by the South Downs National Park Authority's ReNaturing Schools programme, was intended to boost biodiversity, capture carbon and reduce local flooding.

EHDC said the mistake was caused by a genuine misunderstanding by its contractor, East Hants Norse, and pledged to replace the trees at the council’s expense. The school and the environmentalist Paul Turner, who helped organise the planting, welcomed the council’s commitment to restore the site before the summer break.