Three 500 litre water butts have been installed by Petersfield Town Council, thanks to a £1,166 grant from East Hampshire District Council’s Community Climate Action Fund (CCAF).
Petersfield Town Council applied for the grant as a way to minimise fresh water usage to maintain plants around the site.
Having experienced the driest July in England since records began in 1836 with just 6.5mm of rainfall, the availability of stored water meant plants have been able to thrive.
Councillor Robert Mocatta, East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity (which includes climate and environment), said:
“Part of our CCAF criteria is adaptation to reduce the impacts of climate change, and something as simple as installing water butts can make a big impact on water consumption during a drought.
“I hope local community groups can take inspiration from this and will get their applications in to CCAF.”
Jayde Taylor, Climate Projects Officer & Compliance Coodinator at Petersfield Town Council, said:
“We were delighted to receive a grant from East Hampshire District Council to install water butts at two council-owned sites where new planting has recently taken place.
"This is a fantastic initiative that will provide a sustainable source of rainwater to help our new plants thrive, while also giving local residents the opportunity to get involved.
"It’s a simple idea with real environmental and community benefits, and we’re grateful to East Hampshire District Council for the funding”
The fifth round of CCAF applications are open now and will close at 11.59am on Monday 5 October 2026.