MCS Plants Trees at Local Graveyard

As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful social value, MCS was delighted to donate £500 to the Friends of St Giles Hill, supporting the planting of new trees and shrubbery at St Giles Hill Graveyard in Winchester as part of our Winchester Pavilion project.

Steeped in history, the graveyard dates back to medieval times, with origins believed to trace as far back as 1080. Today, it is cared for by a dedicated team of around 70 volunteers, whose efforts are supported by a monthly community gardening day held on the first Saturday of each month.

Last week, Alex Crane, Marketing Executive at MCS, joined Dave Stewart, Chairman of the Friends of St Giles Hill Graveyard, and Anna Stewart to help plant some of the trees and shrubs funded by our donation.

During the visit, a cockspur hawthorn tree was planted within the medieval section of the graveyard, alongside a new line of red-leaved rose shrubs at the front of the site, enhancing its visual appeal following the removal of ash trees. Additional planting included a strawberry tree, whitebeam, quince, and cherry dogwood, all carefully selected to enrich the landscape.

Beyond improving the character of the space, this planting scheme will support biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, encouraging bird nesting, and supporting pollinators.

At MCS, we are committed to creating a lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve - supporting both the environment and the people who help preserve these special places for generations to come.