Winchester FC have recently upgraded their pitch to AstroTurf which raises a tricky question for the environment. However, they have done so for the local community to be able to use the pitch which they were unable to do before. They are now able to host more youth teams including girls’ football, walking football and disabled football. The other advantage is they no longer need to water or fertilise the grass. To offset the environmental impact of the AstroTurf, the Club Secretary organised with Hampshire Forest Partnership to collect 700 native hedging plants and 10 trees. The Club Secretary, his son and a team of Wilder Hyde volunteers planted the 700 hedging plants around the perimeter of the new pitch. This will provide a fantastic habitat for birds and wildlife. The FC also plan to reduce cutting to allow a biodiverse range of flora to thrive and to create other wildlife habitats outside of the pitch.