Volunteers from Action Asylum Portsmouth – part of a national initiative active in seven UK cities – planted 1,300 tree whips in Buckland on 11th and 12th February, supporting Portsmouth City Council’s Clean and Green team’s ambitious tree-planting programme.
On 28th February, the group joined forces with Portsmouth Tree Wardens, local schoolchildren, and families to plant 20 fruit trees at a primary school in Cosham, with special attendance from the Deputy Lord Mayor and Deputy Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth.
The planting projects brought together people seeking asylum, students, and long-term residents to dig, plant, and celebrate together.
The events were more than just environmental action – they were a celebration of unity and shared purpose, transforming neighbourhoods and breaking down barriers.
John Ashlin, coordinator at Action Asylum Portsmouth, said: “Every tree we plant is a symbol of hope and a step toward a greener, more welcoming Portsmouth.
“Over the past four years, our volunteers in Portsmouth and sister cities across the UK have planted more than 20,000 trees.
“We engage in volunteering every week – from tree planting in spring and watering in summer to supporting community gardening, coastal protection, beach cleans, and local greening projects. Here in Portsmouth, we’re proud to connect people and improve our environment, one sapling at a time.”
The tree whips, planted in Buckland, will grow into hedges and living walls, boosting air quality, supporting wildlife, and beautifying the neighbourhood. The fruit trees in Cosham will provide fresh produce and learning opportunities for students for years to come.
A volunteer from the asylum-seeking community shared: “I like planting trees and we enjoy it with the team. It’s very nice – we have to save the environment and make this city more beautiful and stronger.”
A member of the City Council’s Clean and Green team said: “The asylum-seeker volunteers have been fantastic. They have turned up and just worked and worked non-stop all day. They’ve planted a lot of tree whips and been a big help.”
Action Asylum’s mission is to connect people seeking asylum with local communities to volunteer together and improve the environment.
For more information about the project, visit actionasylum.uk or follow on Instagram @action.asylum for updates and opportunities to volunteer.
Action Asylum’s local partner organisation is Portsmouth City Of Sanctuary.
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