Digging it: The weekly adventures of Volunteer Conservation Teams!
Do you enjoy working outdoors and meeting people? Would you like to get involved in the practical side of Andover Trees United? We have a workday team every Monday and the second Saturday of the month.
We would love to hear from you - please email michelle.graham@andovertrees.org.uk
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2024 AT BURY HILL MEADOWS
Today was a fantastic day of community spirit and hands-on conservation work at Bury Hill Meadows, as we hosted another successful Volunteer Conservation Day! The team was joined by employees from SO Recycle and our enthusiastic regulars from Harrow Way School—making it a morning full of energy, laughter, and hard work.
With the help of our amazing volunteers—Izzi, Simone, Sam, Liang, Henry, Stephen, Kay, Richard, Caroline, Jeff, Carol, Wendy, Doreen, Annette, Annabell, the team from SO Recycle, and our dedicated students—Bury Hill is now all set for November's big event starting tomorrow: the Schools’ Tree-Planting Weeks!
The day kicked off with unpacking our trusty Land Rover filled with equipment. The team then got to work setting up a cosy tea tent and a break area for everyone to recharge. The real hustle began as the volunteers sorted through 1,500 trees, organising them by species, and preparing all the planting kits. Meticulous planning went into marking out the planting areas, ensuring everything was ready for the students to jump right in tomorrow.
We couldn't have done it without the hard work and dedication of each volunteer. Thank you all for your commitment to helping Bury Hill Meadows thrive. We can’t wait to see the new trees planted and growing strong in the coming years.
Let’s keep making a positive impact—one tree at a time!
Photo by Abbey Sadler
SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION DAY: NOVEMBER EDITION
This past Saturday, we had a fantastic Community Conservation Day with a group of enthusiastic volunteers coming together to make a difference at the Dragon Garden. The weather was brisk but perfect for some hands-on work, and we couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated team!
The main task for the day was planting a second row of hedging along the side of the garden. Leading the charge was Rory and his family, with invaluable help from Patrick, Liz, and Eddie. Together, they worked tirelessly to extend our hedge line—ensuring more habitat space for wildlife and helping us get a step closer to creating a natural green barrier that will benefit the area for years to come.
A special shout-out goes to the amazing ladies from Andover Ladies Circle, who, along with Izzi, took on the mighty task of packing up the Land Rover with supplies for our upcoming tree-planting event at Bury Hill. Their organisational skills were nothing short of impressive!
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Brian continued with essential DIY jobs on the Cabin, making sure everything is in top shape as we move into the colder months. And of course, no community day would be complete without a proper tea break! A big thank you to Doreen and Wendy, who kept everyone’s spirits high with hot tea and smiles all around.
Days like these remind us that conservation isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about coming together as a community, sharing a purpose, and having fun along the way. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy this weekend. Together, we’re creating something truly special!
THURSDAY 7TH NOVEMBER AT OUR ALLOTMENT ON VIGO ROAD
Gearing Up for Tree Planting Season: Prepping for Harmony Woods and Bury Hill Schools!
Tree planting season is here, and there’s excitement in the air as we gear up to make our local green spaces even greener! This morning, our dedicated team gathered bright and early at Vigo Road allotments to start bagging trees for a couple of special planting projects. Harmony Woods will soon have new hedges thanks to our efforts, and starting next week, Bury Hill schools will kick off their own planting sessions.
A huge shout-out to our incredible volunteers—Doreen, Trevor, Linda, Izzi, and Simone—who put in so much effort today! Whether it was bagging, sorting, or getting hands dirty in the soil, everyone pitched in to ensure things were ready to go for the busy planting days ahead.
Adding to the excitement, we received a fresh batch of trees today, generously provided by the Woodland Trust and Carbon Footprint. These new arrivals were sorted and prepped, ready to be transported to Bury Hill tomorrow for the school planting sessions.
With each tree we plant, we’re building a more sustainable, vibrant community for generations to come. Stay tuned for updates from our planting days, and let’s keep growing together!
MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today’s Volunteer Conservation Day was an inspiring display of teamwork and commitment to protecting our green spaces, made even more special with the energy of volunteers from Newbury Building Society! Working alongside our regular crew, Newbury volunteers pitched in enthusiastically across multiple projects, helping us make fantastic progress on-site.
We kicked off the day with Steve, Izzi and the Newbury team members preparing the ground to the side of the Cabin for grass seeding, ensuring a lush future for this area. Simone, Sam, Jacey, Liang, Annabel, Henry and more volunteers from Newbury sheared the final sections of the Habitats Trail, helping bring it to its final shape—great work by all!
The entire group got their hands dirty in the apple orchard, weeding and mulching to nurture the trees and keep the area looking its best. Steve also took on the task of sweeping the brand-new boardwalk, making sure it’s ready for visitors.
Meanwhile, Trevor and Annette tackled the clean-up of one of our fallen elm trees, adding wood to our pile for future use. Annette also worked her magic on the urn, giving it a much-needed polish before organising a well-deserved tea break for everyone. Over in the cabin, Brian was busy fixing up the windows, door, and railings, ensuring our indoor space is safe and secure for future gatherings.
A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and energy today! Conservation work requires dedication, and days like these—where community members come together—are what make it all possible. Here’s to many more successful Volunteer Days with our fantastic team!
MONDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
A Wonderful Day of Wildflower Planting at Harmony Woods
Today marked a special moment at Harmony Woods as we welcomed the third and final group of Portway students for their wildflower planting session. Back in April, these students sowed Red Campion seeds in school, and today they had the joy of planting their carefully nurtured flowers in the woods. It was inspiring to see their excitement as they took part in an activity that connects them to nature and teaches them the importance of environmental stewardship.
The students didn’t just stop at planting flowers—they also got hands-on mulching one of our hedgerows, learning how vital it is to care for growing plants and contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the BeWiser team, who spent the morning setting up for the session, collecting mulch, preparing planting kits, and prepping the area; before helping the children to mulch and plant. Your help ensured everything was ready for the students to enjoy the day.
A big shout-out also to the Abel & Cole team for taking down the old shelter structure in our forest school area and then joining the students for some wildflower planting fun. We’re excited to see the space transformed with a new shelter soon! And last but not least, a massive thank you to our wonderful volunteer Simone from ATU, who is always there to help with a smile.
It’s been an incredible day of teamwork, community spirit, and nature appreciation. We can’t wait to see the Red Campion blooms brighten up Harmony Woods for years to come!
MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week has been a hive of activity as we gear up for the Schools’ Planting Weeks, starting in November at Bury Hill Meadows! Our incredible volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for a successful planting season.
Izzi, Sylvia, Simone, Liang, and Annette tackled the important task of sorting the kits for the upcoming planting. Meanwhile, Henry, Stephen, and Sam prepared the soil around our new boardwalk for seed sowing, setting the stage for future growth.
Out on the woods perimeter, Ron and Trevor took on the brambles, taming them for a tidier and safer environment. We were also joined by our regular students from Harrow Way School, who did a fantastic job clearing cuttings from the wildflower mounds that Jacey and Liz had skillfully sheared.
The efforts of our team wouldn’t be complete without a well-deserved tea break, and for that, we owe a huge thank you to Wendy, Terri, and Doreen, who kept everything running smoothly. Terri also helped hang deep water signs around the pond to ensure safety.
A special shout out to the wonderful employees from Veolia who joined us for a day of corporate volunteering at Harmony Woods. They jumped right in, planting wildflowers in the meadow and creating a hard standing for a new tool washing station. Afterward, they worked alongside our regular volunteers, helping to prepare the soil by the boardwalk for seed sowing.
As always, a massive thanks to everyone for their hard work and dedication. None of this would be possible without you! Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for an exciting November planting season!
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
A Day of Wildflower Planting with Portway Students at Harmony Woods
Today was an inspiring day at Harmony Woods as we welcomed the second group of Portway Students for a hands-on wildflower planting session! 🌸 These young environmentalists first sowed Red Campion seeds back in April, and today they had the joy of planting their carefully nurtured flowers in our woodland. The excitement was contagious as they not only planted but also spent time mulching along one of our hedgerows, learning more about the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
A special thanks goes out to the amazing team from BeWiser, who helped set the stage for today’s session. From collecting mulch to preparing planting kits and making sure the area was ready, their support was invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without them! 🌿 And a huge thank you to Simone, our incredible ATU volunteer, whose dedication and hard work continues to inspire us all.
With one more group of students to go next week, we can’t wait to see the final touches added to this ongoing project. Days like this remind us how impactful hands-on learning is, especially when it comes to caring for nature. 🌳
Stay tuned for more updates next week!
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
What a day for conservation! After last night’s heavy rainfall, our team gathered bright and early, joined by our regular students from Harrow Way School. The first task was an unexpected one—bailing out the moat that had formed overnight! The rainfall had created a waterlogged section that needed urgent attention, and thanks to Sam, Sylvia, Stephen, Izzi, and Brian, we quickly laid down fresh scalpings, forming them into the ground to prevent a repeat of the “moat” situation. Crisis averted!
Simone, Liang, and Jayce brought some much-needed colour to the meadow by planting the remaining wildflowers, ensuring the landscape will bloom beautifully in the coming months. Meanwhile, our fantastic Harrow Way students helped out by cleaning and stacking pots leftover from Saturday’s workday, a big help as always!
Trevor tackled the ongoing mission of clearing brambles, making more of the site accessible for future projects. The wildflower chalk mound also got a fresh look, as Michelle, Simone, Liang, and Jayce sheared it down and cleared away the cuttings.
None of this could have been done without Doreen, who not only kept everyone on track but also provided much-needed refreshments to keep the team energised.
All in all, it was a productive and rewarding day, with nature taking a step forward thanks to everyone’s hard work and dedication. Thank you to all who joined in, and special shoutout to Harrow Way School for their continued support! See you all at the next workday!
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This Saturday, our amazing team came together for the Community Conservation Day in Harmony Woods, braving the rain to plant wildflowers in the meadow. Despite the weather, we had a fantastic turnout, and the meadow is already looking beautiful, thanks to your efforts!
A special thank you to our Sow, Grow, Planters who cared for their own wildflowers for months before bringing them to the meadow—your hard work paid off! We also want to extend our gratitude to Premier Foods for returning to plant the wildflowers they potted earlier in the year and to the Andover Ladies Circle for joining us again. And of course, a big thank you to the ATU team for the much-needed refreshments!
In addition to the planting, we announced the winner of the poll we have been just since the beginning of the year asking, “What’s your favourite wildflower?” and the results are in! With nearly 30% of the vote, the Primrose came out on top as the crowd favourite, with the Dog Violet as a close second. It’s clear that these blooms hold a special place in everyone’s hearts.
Finally, a huge thank you to Brian and Sam for continuing the great work on the Broad Walk and the landscaping in front of the cabin—it’s looking better than ever!
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this day a success. Together, we’re helping Harmony Woods flourish!
Stay tuned for our next event, and don’t forget to visit the meadow to see the wildflowers in full bloom!
WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
A Day of Growth at Harmony Woods with Portway Students
Today was a truly special day at Harmony Woods! We had the pleasure of welcoming our first group of Portway students who returned to plant the Red Campion flowers they sowed in school back in April. Watching them plant their plants seeds that had become beautiful blooms was an inspiring reminder of the magic of nature – and the hard work it takes to protect it.
The students didn’t stop at planting! They also rolled up their sleeves and helped mulch one of our hedgerows. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they learned about the importance of caring for our environment while having a blast outdoors.
A big thank you goes out to the incredible team from BeWiser, who spent their morning collecting mulch, preparing planting kits, and setting up the area, before helping the children plant in the afternoon. Your support made the day run smoothly, and we’re so grateful for your help. And, of course, our volunteers Izzi and Carol deserve a special shoutout for their ongoing dedication. As always, they were fantastic!
Next week, we look forward to welcoming the next group of Portway students for another afternoon of planting and community fun. Stay tuned for more wildflower adventures!
MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today was another productive and rewarding Volunteer Conservation Day at Harmony Woods! We had an amazing team on site, continuing our efforts to enhance the natural beauty of the area while preparing for some exciting planting ahead.
A huge shout-out goes to Brian for his incredible work over the weekend. Thanks to him, the front of the Cabin now has a fresh layer of scalping, and he even built a new flower bed that has completely transformed the space! His efforts set a great foundation for today’s progress.
Continuing the momentum, Stephen, Sam, Sylvia, and Ron jumped in to continue the landscaping out front by filling in the area behind the new flower bed. It's really starting to take shape and will be such a beautiful feature of the cabin entrance.
Meanwhile, Brian wasn't done yet! He moved on to another big task: starting work on the path that winds alongside the cabin and through the orchard, laying down gravel. This new path is going to be a fantastic way for visitors to explore the orchard. Over at the planting mounds, Izzi, Liang, Annette, and Simone were hard at work getting everything prepared for Saturday's big planting day. We can’t wait to see those mounds filled with greenery and colour!
We also had the pleasure of being joined by our regular group of students from Harrow Way School. Under Terri's guidance, they worked diligently to sort through the wildflowers brought up from the allotment by Wendy, Sam, and Abbey. These flowers will be ready to find their new homes on Saturday. Of course, a special thanks to Wendy for keeping everyone energised with much-needed refreshments throughout the day!
All in all, it was a fantastic day of teamwork and progress. A big thank you to everyone involved, and we can’t wait to see the results of all this hard work in the coming weeks. See you on Saturday for the planting day!
MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
What a wonderful Volunteer Conservation Day it’s been! Today, the team was joined by our regular students from Harrow Way School and welcomed some special guests from Newbury Building Society. This combined energy made for an incredibly productive day!
While the team waits for the scalpings to arrive, they wasted no time tackling one of our key tasks – levelling out the dugout path area in front of the Cabin. We want to prevent it from becoming a moat, especially during those rainy days! The crew were an impressive force of diggers and wheelers, working together to create a smooth and stable path.
Meanwhile, our wildflower mounds were prepped for next Saturday's planting session, adding a touch of nature to our beautiful landscape. Over in the Dragon Garden, trimming continues as the space takes on an even more magical shape.
A special shoutout to our clean-up crew for keeping everything tidy and ensuring we leave the site as immaculate as ever. Thanks to all who joined in today – your hard work truly makes a difference! We look forward to seeing the results flourish in the coming weeks.
MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week at Harmony Woods, our dedicated volunteers braved the rain for another successful Conservation Day! The team worked hard raking and levelling the newly dug walkway and area beside the cabin, ensuring everything is set for the next phase of restoration. A special shout out to the Weekend Team, who went the extra mile by filling in the trench and flattening the area—your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Despite the weather not being on our side, with muddy puddles forming left and right, Simone made sure the cabin’s porch stayed spotless (thank you!). Over in the Dragon Garden, the Cockatrice received a much-needed 'haircut' as the team trimmed back the overgrown grass.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and worked tirelessly in the rain. Your hard work, even in tough conditions, truly makes a difference. See you next time!
SATURDAY 21ST & SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This past weekend, September 21st and 22nd, marked an exciting milestone in our ongoing Cabin project: the Bronze Age ditch has officially been filled in! After months of preparation, we completed the earthmoving, restoring the ride and pathway around the Cabin and creating a new working area at the front. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be adding path surfacing, but the progress so far has been incredible.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the special moment when we buried messages from our team in a jar at the bottom of the ditch. These letters to the future serve as a time capsule, preserving our thoughts and hopes for the generations to come. It was a poignant reminder of the history we’re connected to and the legacy we’re building for those who will walk this path after us.
Huge thanks are owed to our incredible drivers and path design team—Callum, Carl, Brian, Natalia, and Sam—who worked tirelessly to bring the project to life. Their skill and dedication helped restore the landscape beautifully. Special appreciation also goes out to our hardworking site support team: Doreen, Simone, Wendy, Izzi, Ron, Sylvia, and the youngest member of the team, 8-year-old Annabel. Their generosity with their time and energy over both days made all the difference.
A particular shoutout to Callum, who made the trip all the way from Dorset to lend a hand. As a long-standing volunteer, Callum has been with us through all phases of the Cabin’s construction. It was an honour to present him with his King’s Award for Volunteering badge, a well-deserved recognition of his incredible commitment and hard work over the years.
And finally, another milestone was reached—the willow soaking trough is officially installed! With canes added and water filled, it’s all set for craft-making sessions starting Saturday, September 28th. We can’t wait to see the creative results.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible—it’s because of your support that this project continues to move forward! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to completing the next phase of the path surfacing.
MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today was a special Volunteer Conservation Day at Harmony Woods, filled with camaraderie, hard work, and a touch of reflection. The team began by unloading the last of Wendy's shed—filing cabinets, paperwork, and miscellaneous bits—upstairs, ensuring that every last box found its place.
Afterward, we turned our attention to the meadow and rides, freshly cut by Richard Shipway on Sunday. With rakes in hand, we cleared the grass to give the land space to breathe, and Brian worked with care, lining the Bronze Age ditch with cut grass, Christmas tree branches, and strips of bark. As a meaningful tribute, the team wrote heartfelt messages and placed them in a coffee tin, creating a time capsule to be buried at the ditch’s base. It felt like a beautiful way to connect the past with the present, leaving a little piece of ourselves for the future.
Meanwhile, Liz carefully strimmed the Peace Day tree planting site, and Simone, Sam, and Jayce dug the hole, all ready for Friday’s procession ceremony and planting. It's going to be a moving event, honouring peace and our shared connection to this land.
Lastly, the scythe snaths were lovingly linseed oiled, preparing them for the hands of our new scything team. All in all, today was a wonderful blend of teamwork, conservation, and a shared sense of purpose. Harmony Woods is ready for what comes next, and we couldn't have done it without the efforts of everyone involved.
MONDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today was another fantastic Volunteer Conservation Day at Harmony Woods! Our incredible team of volunteers came together to make some much-needed improvements and preparations throughout the area. Here’s a quick look at all the hard work that was done:
The day kicked off with maintenance at Enham Gate, where the team added a brand-new railing and strengthened the existing gate post to ensure it remains sturdy and safe for all visitors. They also tackled a fallen log that was blocking the way, quickly removing it to keep our trails clear and accessible.
Meanwhile, our dedicated meadow team raked through the freshly cut grass, giving it a fresh look just in time for autumn. Over in the Orchard, the base trees were carefully sheared, preparing them for a layer of mulch to keep them healthy through the colder months.
A delivery of new slabs arrived, which will be put to great use in upcoming projects, and the "Beating Up" — our affectionate term for replacing any trees that didn’t make it — was successfully completed. By the radar gate, our fearless volunteers sheared back a wall of brambles, reclaiming more of the path for visitors.
In recognition of Peace Day, two large doves were checked and prepared, ready to be displayed. The Cabin also got a festive makeover with the Carnival Insects now hanging proudly from the balustrade, adding a splash of colour and whimsy to the surroundings.
We tested out the seating arrangements for this weekend's AGM, ensuring comfort and good views for everyone attending. To wrap up the day, the camp circle was strimmed and tidied up, just in time for this week’s Brownie visit, where we hope to inspire the next generation of nature lovers.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out today! Your hard work and dedication continue to make Harmony Woods a beautiful and welcoming place for all.
Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you at our next event!
MONDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
What an incredible day we had this week for our Volunteer Conservation Day! The team came together with great enthusiasm to kick off our Public Survey, marking an exciting new chapter for our work at Harmony Woods.
Our dedicated volunteers were stationed diligently at all five entrance gates, greeting visitors with warm smiles, counting the number of people coming into the woods, and engaging in conversations with the lovely members of our community. It was truly wonderful to hear your reasons for visiting Harmony Woods, what you know about Andover Trees United, and your thoughts on our conservation efforts.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to speak with us. The feedback we have received so far has been overwhelming and incredibly valuable. Your insights help guide us in making this beautiful space even better!
If you missed us, don’t worry! We’ll continue the survey over the next six weeks, with our next day scheduled for Tuesday, 10th September. If you can’t make it in person, you can still share your thoughts by taking the survey online here. We’d love to hear from you!
Meanwhile, a few of our team members stayed back at the cabin to ensure everything runs smoothly in the weeks ahead, taking care of some much-needed tidying up, cleaning the loos, varnishing the porch and handling some maintenance work. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are always appreciated!
Thank you once again to everyone who came out to support us. Together, we are making a difference for the future of Harmony Woods.
Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you at the next survey day!
MONDAY 19TH AUGUST 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week's Volunteer Conservation Day at Harmony Woods was filled with meaningful work and a touch of adventure. Our dedicated team kicked off the day by "beating up," ensuring that young saplings had the best chance of thriving. Once that was done, they turned their attention to the sloe hedge. Weeding and mulching the hedge was a labour of love, and it’s rewarding to know we’re helping these native plants flourish. The team then moved on to the small orchard, where Sam and Annabel worked hard, collecting mulch from the pile and transporting it to the orchard site. Their efforts will go a long way in nurturing the trees and ensuring a bountiful future harvest.
Meanwhile, George and Annette took on a different but equally important task. They cleaned and scrubbed the porch area, preparing it for the final touch—sealing the floor. Their meticulous work will help preserve this space for future volunteers and visitors alike. Annette also took a break from scrubbing to embark on a foraging walk, adding new sites to our ever-growing foraging map. This map is a treasure trove for anyone interested in sustainable foraging, and Annette’s discoveries will undoubtedly be a valuable addition.
As always, our Volunteer Conservation Day was a blend of hard work, teamwork, and the joy of being close to nature. Thank you to everyone who came out and contributed—your efforts make Harmony Woods a thriving, vibrant place for all to enjoy. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next week!
MONDAY 12TH AUGUST 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s Volunteer Conservation Day brought the team together in Harmony Woods for another productive session. Despite the heat, our dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves and tackled a range of essential tasks to keep our cherished woodland thriving.
First on the list was sorting through the leftover larch and cedar from our cabin construction. These materials are perfect for future building projects, so they’ve been carefully organised and stored for when the time comes. We also gave the shelves a thorough cleaning to ensure our Forest School and Nature Explorer equipment stays in top condition.
Our next task was a bit of an end-of-season clear-out—the old Christmas tree, long past its prime, was finally removed. We also turned our attention to the sloe hedge around the compost toilets, giving it a much-needed trim and clearing the pathway for easier access.
We didn’t stop there—plenty of housekeeping tasks were on the agenda, including the creation of a new ‘clothes corner.’ This dedicated space will store spare outdoor clothing, always handy for those who arrive unprepared for winter’s mud, rain, and cold. If you have any outgrown but still usable outdoor clothing—boots, jackets, waterproofs, etc.—that you’d be happy to donate, we’d love to hear from you!
Finally, we completed the beating up prep by identifying and tagging all the young trees that will need replacing. It’s a crucial step in ensuring the continued health and diversity of our woodland.
A massive thank you goes out to our incredible team: Doreen, Trevor, Simone, Sam, Liang, Eddie, George, Sylvia, Ron, Tara, Ehren, and Wendy. Your hard work and dedication—despite the heat—are truly appreciated.
See you all next week for more conservation adventures!
SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2024 AT VIGO ROAD ALLOTMENTS
This past Saturday, our dedicated Volunteer Community Conservation Day team gathered at our beloved allotment on Vigo Rd for a day of hands-on work and outdoor fun. It was a fantastic day, filled with laughter, hard work, and a shared commitment to nurturing our local green spaces.
We kicked off the day with some essential slug hunting (those little guys don’t take a day off!), followed by a session of pot washing to ensure our tools are always ready for action. Our volunteers also took on the challenge of potting up young plants, giving them a strong start before they’re transferred to their new homes.
Weeding was next on the agenda, and our team tackled it with enthusiasm, making sure the wildflowers and trees had plenty of room to thrive. And as a little reward for our efforts, we indulged in some blackberry and plum picking, enjoying the fruits of our labour right on the spot.
These plants have a bright future ahead of them—most will soon make their way to Harmony Woods, while some will be planted in school grounds and volunteers’ gardens, spreading a bit of our allotment magic far and wide.
Mark your calendars for October 12th, when we’ll be back at it for our Woodland Meadow Planting Day! We’re going to need all the hands we can get to make this day a success.
A massive thank you to our incredible Saturday Team—your hard work and passion make all the difference. See you at the next one!
MONDAY 5TH AUGUST 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week, Harmony Woods buzzed with the energy and enthusiasm of our dedicated volunteers during the Volunteer Conservation Day. With the sun shining and spirits high, the team tackled several important tasks, contributing significantly to the ongoing conservation efforts in our beloved woodland.
The day began with some scalping and tidying up around the side of the container. It's amazing how a bit of organised effort can transform a cluttered space into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing area. The team worked meticulously, ensuring that every corner was neat and tidy.
Next on the agenda was adding wood to the ever-growing wood pile. This task, though seemingly simple, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in Harmony Woods. The wood pile serves as a habitat for various insects and small animals, promoting biodiversity within the woods.
One of the more challenging tasks was sorting the portacabin. Our volunteers dove into this project with gusto, organising supplies, and ensuring everything was in its rightful place. A well-organised portacabin makes future conservation work more efficient and effective.
Landscaping the pond was another significant project of the day. Following the excellent groundwork done over the weekend by our very own Brian on the swale, the team focused on shaping and beautifying the pond area. Their efforts not only enhanced the visual appeal of the pond but also contributed to the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
A delightful surprise visit from a Lime Hawk-Moth Caterpillar (Mimas tiliae) added a touch of wonder to the day. This vibrant and rare visitor served as a beautiful reminder of the diverse wildlife that calls Harmony Woods home and the importance of our conservation work in preserving such species.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and look forward to seeing more faces at our next Volunteer Conservation Day. Together, we continue to make a difference, one project at a time.
MONDAY 29TH JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s Volunteer Conservation Day at Harmony Woods was nothing short of inspiring! Our dedicated team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and made incredible progress on several conservation projects, showcasing the true spirit of community and environmental stewardship.
Simone and Annabel were unstoppable as they continued the ‘Beating Up’ efforts, successfully completing hedge-line ‘D’. Their dedication to maintaining and improving our hedgerows is crucial for providing habitats and corridors for wildlife, and their efforts are truly appreciated.
Meanwhile, Henry and George took on the task of pond maintenance, focusing on removing mares' tails and algae. Their hard work ensures that our ponds remain healthy ecosystems for aquatic plants and animals.
In another part of Harmony Woods, Sam, Stephen, Brian, and Trevor continued to tackle the cross rails on the Eastern End Meadow fencing. Their teamwork paid off, and the fencing is now ready for the gates to be fitted soon. This new infrastructure will help protect our new meadow and manage access effectively.
Annette carried out a thorough audit of the foraging routes, ensuring that our pathways for sustainable foraging are well-maintained and clearly marked. Her attention to detail helps us promote responsible foraging practices among visitors.
Liz and other team members provided much-needed refreshments, keeping everyone energised throughout the day. Their hospitality created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all volunteers.
A highlight of the day was spotting the Gatekeeper Butterfly, earning the title of ‘spot of the week’. This beautiful butterfly added a touch of magic to our conservation efforts, reminding us of the natural beauty we strive to protect.
Noons were busy collecting scrap metal, ensuring that our site remains tidy and free from hazardous materials. The tree nursery bed was also watered, helping young trees thrive and grow.
Elsewhere, Izzy, Wendy, Jo, and Abbey gathered ATU paperwork, preparing it for filing at the Cabin. Their organisational skills are essential for keeping our conservation projects on track and well-documented.
A massive thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Days like these highlight the incredible impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. Harmony Woods is thriving because of your efforts, and we look forward to many more successful Volunteer Conservation Days ahead.
Photos by Doreen Gregori
MONDAY 22ND JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today, the team at Harmony Woods rolled up their sleeves for another impactful Volunteer Conservation Day, and what a day it was! Our dedicated volunteers tackled a variety of essential tasks, ensuring our beloved natural spaces continue to thrive.
The day began with the dismantling of the Carnival display from Land Rover, before giving it a thorough cleaning. With the display no longer in use, they carefully removed the Wildflower Turf that adorned the top of the Land Rover. The turf was then planted temporarily in the nursery bed, where it will remain until October when it will be planted out to take root and contribute to our ongoing efforts in cultivating native flora.
Next on the agenda was clearing the area by the Radar Gate. This important task improved accessibility, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Harmony Woods.
Work also continued on the Eastern Meadow Fencing.
Our volunteers then turned their attention to the Dragon Garden, where they conducted a final check and trim. The garden is looking splendid, thanks to their hard work in maintaining its enchanting beauty, and ready for its visitors later in the week.
They also continued "Beating Up" efforts on Hedgerows C and D this week. This routine maintenance is vital for sustaining healthy trees and ensuring they remain vibrant and resilient.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated today. Your hard work and dedication make Harmony Woods a better place for all to enjoy. We’re looking forward to our next Volunteer Conservation Day and hope to see even more faces ready to contribute to our mission of preserving and enhancing our natural environment.
MONDAY 15TH JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today's Volunteer Conservation Day was marked by significant accomplishments and teamwork. Our dedicated volunteers made great progress across various projects, ensuring our conservation efforts continue to thrive.
The entire team focused on Beating Up, successfully completing sections A and B. This vital task enhances the health and density of our hedgerows and trees, promoting a richer habitat for local wildlife.
Simultaneously, team members advanced the fence building project at the Eastern End. This new fence will provide essential protection and delineation for our conservation areas. Additionally, the team carefully covered the Archaeology Trench, securing it for further exploration next year and safeguarding it from the elements.
In preparation for upcoming activities, volunteers moved metal panels to a designated area, ready for collection. This effort helps streamline our workspace and prepare for future projects.
Finally, the Dragon Garden received attention as the team cleared away tools and weeds. This maintenance ensures the garden remains a beautiful and welcoming space for both visitors and wildlife.
A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work and commitment!
SATURDAY 13TH JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This month’s Volunteer Community Conservation Day was a vibrant success, with our dedicated team making significant strides in various conservation projects. Our seasoned volunteers, Sylvi, Jana, Steven, and Ehren, focused on trimming the Dragon Garden. Their efforts have the garden looking pristine, ready to be admired by its dedicated patrons.
The Youth Team, alongside Eddie, showcased their strength and teamwork by relocating log rounds to the new forest school area. This essential task was a stepping stone in the development of the school, which will soon serve as an educational hub. To ensure the area remains ecologically balanced, the team conducted a thorough survey to inform an environmental management plan aimed at mitigating any potential impact from the new construction.
Wendy took on a crucial task by digging out the pond swale. Her hard work ensures that runoff from the cabin continues to flow into the pond, maintaining the water levels and supporting the pond’s ecosystem.
Izzi and Brian made impressive progress on Beating Up the Hedgerows at the bottom end of Harmony Woods. Their dedication is helping to rejuvenate this vital habitat, promoting biodiversity and providing shelter for local wildlife.
Additionally, the Youth Team participated in two important scientific surveys: The Big Butterfly Count and Nature Overheard. These activities not only contribute to national conservation efforts but also enrich the team’s knowledge and connection to nature.
Thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work and commitment to conservation!
MONDAY 8TH JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today was another successful Volunteer Conservation Day, with a dedicated team working hard to maintain and improve our beautiful community woodland. Here’s a roundup of the fantastic work accomplished by our volunteers:
Annette, Liang, Simone, Jayce, Sylvia, Izzi, George, and Gill focused on the Dragon Garden, where they carefully relocated cinnabar caterpillars. This was a crucial task to allow us to thin out the Ragwort, a plant that, while being a vital food source for the caterpillars, is also highly invasive. Their meticulous efforts ensured the caterpillars were safely moved to a more suitable area.
Trevor, Ron, Steve, and Sam were busy checking the meadow fences. They added additional rails where needed to bolster the security and safety of the area. Their hard work helps keep our conservation areas protected and well-maintained.
To safeguard the ground around the prominent tree off the main ride, which has become trodden and compacted, a protective cordon was installed. This initiative will help ensure the tree and the soil remains healthy and undisturbed by foot traffic.
An investigation into the damaged cap on the vent pipe of our compost toilets was carried out, setting the stage for repairs to be undertaken during this Saturday's Volunteer Community Conservation Day. Addressing this issue will improve the functionality and hygiene of our facilities.
Henry conducted a thorough maintenance check on our strimmers. This essential equipment upkeep ensures that we can continue to manage overgrown areas effectively.
As always, the entire team came together to handle the opening and closing of the Cabin, ensuring a smooth and organised operation throughout the day.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Each task, whether big or small, contributes significantly to the preservation and enhancement of our community woodland. We look forward to another productive session this Saturday!
Feel free to share this update with others to celebrate our team's efforts and encourage more volunteers to join us in our conservation endeavours!
MONDAY 1ST JULY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s Volunteer Conservation Day was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible effort and enthusiasm of our dedicated team. We kicked off the day with shearing the dragon, a significant task that involved creating clear pathways along its back and defining its striking features. The meticulous work has truly brought out the dragon’s majestic form, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Our volunteers didn't stop there. They continued working diligently on the meadow fence at the eastern end, reinforcing and extending it to ensure the protection of the vibrant meadow ecosystem. This ongoing project is crucial for preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our conservation area.
After a productive morning, the team took a well-deserved tea break. Gathered together, we enjoyed the stunning view of the blooming poppies, a testament to the flourishing nature around us. The sight of these beautiful flowers was the perfect reward for our hard work, reminding us why conservation is so important.
A big thank you to all our volunteers for their time, effort, and passion. Your contributions are invaluable, and we look forward to many more successful conservation days ahead!
MONDAY 24TH JUNE 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week has been a hive of activity for our Volunteer Conservation Team. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in several key projects.
One of the major tasks undertaken by our volunteers has been strimming the rides to help prepare the site for our community archaeology project, Between the Barrows. Our volunteers have also taken on the unique challenge of shearing the Dragon Garden. This intricate task involved carefully trimming and maintaining the garden to ensure its integrity and beauty.
In addition, the team has also been hard at work repairing and building the fences for the eastern end meadow. These structures are crucial for protecting our valuable sites from damage and ensuring that our conservation areas remain safe and secure.
Our Harrow Way students’ primary task was cleaning the tarps used to protect our excavation site. This seemingly simple task is vital for preserving our finds and ensuring that our work can continue smoothly. The students’ hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for their contribution to our ongoing efforts. After uncovering they explored the ditch that was excavated 2022-3, before having a go at this years excavation site.
The cabin also had its solar array extended by expert electricians and engineers.
MONDAY 17TH JUNE 2024 AT VIGO ROAD ALLOTMENTS
This week, our Volunteer Conservation Team, composed of Annette, Wendy, Sam, Simone, Linda, Jacey, Liz, Liang, and the enthusiastic Harrow Way students, came together for a productive day at our allotment on Vigo Road. Their collective efforts were focused on several essential gardening tasks that are crucial for maintaining and enhancing our green space.
The team spent the day pricking out seedlings, which involves carefully transplanting young plants to give them more room to grow. This meticulous task helps ensure the healthy development of our future plants. Alongside this, they diligently weeded the tree nursery beds, removing unwanted plants to allow our young trees to thrive without competition for nutrients and water.
One of the highlights of the day was digging up and potting the Red Campion. This beautiful wildflower, known for its vibrant pink blooms, was given new homes in pots, ensuring they can continue to grow robustly and be transplanted where needed in the future.
We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and students. Their contributions are vital in keeping our allotment in top shape and promoting a healthy environment for all our plants. Thank you, team, for your unwavering commitment and green thumbs! Your efforts make a significant difference.
MONDAY 10TH JUNE 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Our dedicated Volunteer Conservation Team has been hard at work, continuing their vital efforts to maintain and improve our natural spaces despite ongoing challenges. Despite the challenges posed by vandalism, our volunteers' dedication and hard work are making a significant difference. Thank you to everyone involved for your unwavering commitment to conservation!
Tasks Included:
Fence Building by Ron, Stephen, Trevor, Sam, and Ehren: These volunteers have been tirelessly building the fence at the eastern end meadow despite further vandalism. Their efforts are crucial in safeguarding the area for future enjoyment and conservation activities.
Hedge Maintenance by Simone, Sylvia, Izzi, and Liang: This team focused on essential maintenance work along the hedgeline, ensuring it remains healthy and robust.
Strimming by Henry and Sam: Henry and Sam took charge of strimming, keeping the pathways clear and accessible for all.
Thistle Pulling and Cabin Tidy-Up by Doreen: Doreen dedicated her time to pulling thistles and tidying up the outside of the cabin, contributing to a more pleasant and orderly environment.
Refreshments, Cabin Cleaning and Hazel Circle Lopping by Terri and Annette: These volunteers provided much-needed refreshments and cleaned the inside of the cabin, ensuring everyone had a comfortable place to rest and regroup. Their refreshed vase arranged gave the cabin a lovely feel. They also worked on lopping in the hazel circle, promoting healthy growth and maintenance of this important area.
Tree Mulching and Cabin Tidy-Up by Wendy: Wendy mulched Paul’s tree and helped tidy up outside the cabin, enhancing both the health and aesthetics of the area.
SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This month’s Volunteer Community Conservation Day was this past weekend. Our community gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the Big Help Out with a day dedicated to woodland conservation. The event also marked the exciting launch of our Great Big Green Week, kicking off a series of environmental initiatives.
Highlights of the Day:
Land Rover Cleaning: Volunteers gave our trusty Land Rover a thorough clean, ensuring it’s ready for many more conservation adventures.
Shower Shed Relocation: The shower shed was expertly moved to a more convenient location, thanks to the teamwork and coordination of our volunteers.
Compost Toilets Treatment: Our compost toilets received a much-needed timber treatment, enhancing their durability and functionality.
Path Clearing: Paths were cut and cleared throughout the woodland, making the area more accessible and enjoyable for all.
A & C Hedge Maintenance: The A & C hedge was mulched and weeded, promoting healthy growth and providing a better habitat for wildlife.
Youth Team Efforts: Our dedicated youth team cleared their conservation corner, removing vandalism and pulling thistles, showcasing their commitment to preserving our natural spaces.
This event was a wonderful start to our Great Big Green Week, highlighting the power of community action in protecting our environment. A big thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work and enthusiasm!
MONDAY 3RD JUNE 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been working hard in the warm, but overcast, weather this morning! Their main job this week was to continue repairing the fence that was vandalised at the eastern end of the wood. The team managed to finish repairing the damaged fence and start the fence at the other end of the stretch of future meadow.
Tasks included:
Ron, Stephen, Trevor, Sam and Henry had the job of fence repairing.
Simon, Sylvia, Gillian, Liang, Eddie and Lucas did some much needed maintenance on the hedge line.
THURSDAY 23RD MAY 2024 AT VIGO ROAD ALLOTMETS
Member of Andover’s Co-Op depot join us at the allotment to prick out the wildflower seedlings ready for potting on in a few months! Thank you for all your hard work!
MONDAY 20TH MAY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has had a lovely morning in the sun! Their main job this week has been continuing to repair the fence in the eastern end.
Tasks included:
Watering the potted Christmas tree
Replacing spiral guards across the wood
Admiring the beautiful wildflowers!
MONDAY 13TH MAY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been very hard at work this morning! Their main job this week was to begin repair to the fence that was vandalised at the eastern end of the wood.
Tasks included:
Izzi, Stephen and Sam worked hard to re-dig the posts into the ground.
Trevor, measured and cut the rails for the fence.
Izzi, Stephen, Terri and Trevor began rebuilding the fence.
Shane and Ben fitted the new winch system for the cabin drawbridges.
Simone, Annabell and Liang, trimmed the hedges around the conservation area signs, and removed some misplaced timber and over bits from Conservation Corner.
Tea break was fabulously done by Liz and Terri.
SATURDAY 11TH MAY 2024 AT VIGO ROAD ALLOTMENT
This month’s Volunteer Community Conservation Day was a very hot trip to the allotment. With the sun shining the team gathered at our allotment on Vigo Road to sow some wildflower seeds.
The team also gave the shed’s some much needed TLC and were able to give our allotment patch a good weeding! They also did a tremendous job of washing the pots ready for our 2024 wildflowers.
The Community Conservation Team celebrated their hard work with a well deserved tea break and jam tarts!
MONDAY 29TH APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been doing some incredible work this morning! The wood has been very well looked after, with lots of tasks being completed.
Tasks included:
Sylvia and Izzi continued to weed and mulch the large Abel & Cole hedgerow.
Simone and Liang cleared the brambles from the disabled access gate.
Sam and Stephen cleared the gateway at the far eastern end of the wood to allow for better access to the Diamond Wood.
After the vandalism of our fences over the weekend, the team has worked hard to correct the damage. Sam and Stephen mended the posts around the wildflower meadow. Trevor sorted new cross rails and advised on overall repair planning for the new eastern end fence.
Trevor also made an overhanging tree safe by the Anton Lane access gate.
Liz created newt habitat around the pond using wood shards.
Simone, Sam, Stephen and Trevor cleared growth around Oak saplings
Terri and Annette have been crafting some willow rings.
Wendy, Jacey, Patrick, Linda and our excellent Harrow Way students were at the allotment. They sowed wildflower seed and ‘weeded’ to prevent dandelion seed drifting onto neighbouring plots.
MONDAY 22ND APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Happy Earth Day!
Today the Volunteer Conservation Team was joined by volunteers from National Geographic Learning! They came together to celebrate Earth Day and begin the much needed improvement to the Diamond Wood.
Earth Day is all about environmental protection and what better way to demonstrate that than creating fencing out of natural materials to help not only protect the endangered Skylark during their nesting season, but also beginning to prepare the eastern end of the wood ready for calcareous (chalk) meadow creation.
MONDAY 15TH APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team had a very windy Monday session this week! The team came together to help to continue clearing around the Cabin - surplus building materials, wood offcuts and pallets were moved and stacked alongside the recently cleared shipping container.
Other tasks included:
The new nursery bed was mulched by the young Harrow Way volunteers.
The youngest section of hedge along the ride opposite the metal field gate was tidied by Sylvia, Ron, Annette, Jayce and Liz - canes loosened by rain and heavy winds were straightened and damaged spiral guards replaced.
The Cabin kitchen had attention too, as Annette checked out the fit of the new curtains she had been sewing.
The coronation discs have been taken to be mounted to pile before reattaching to the side of the compost toilet block.
SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
This month’s 2nd Saturday Workday (Volunteer Community Conservation Day) had fabulous weather and an even greater turnout! Abel & Cole sent an excellent group of staff and their families to volunteer for the morning. They did a fantastic job of clearing the base of the hedgerow they planted back in 2021.
Other members of the Community helped to relocate the tree nursery bed so the outside tap can be moved. With lots of hard work, they managed to get out three rather large oak, several rowan and a few hawthorn and lime!
A team made up of both Abel & Cole and regular Community Conservation Day volunteers began work on the landscaping down the side of the Cabin, creating the hard standing. They also dug out the soak away for the cabin sink.
ATU’s youth team lead families and young children to create insect housing with the remaining bagged woodchip, also the base of our fully established hedgerows.
All of this was supported by regular volunteers; Kat, Jana, and Wendy who also put on a lovely Tea break filled with cake and pastries!
MONDAY 8TH APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been continuing to prepare the Diamond Wood for spring. They have been mulching the hedgerows in the Dragon Garden and tidying down the side of the new Cabin in preparation for landscaping works.
We have had several new members join the team this week! Welcome Ron, Sylvia, Lizzie and Ryan!
WEDNESDAY 3RD APRIL 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
As Monday was a Easter Bank Holiday, there was no Volunteer Conservation Day. However, a small group met in the Wood on Wednesday April 3rd instead, where tea and cake were enjoyed to celebrate Dr Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday.
The group enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the wood and replanted one of the recently planted lime trees that had been uprooted. Read more about how ATU celebrated Jane’s special birthday on the JGI Roots n’ Shoots blog .
Photo by Wendy Davis
MONDAY 25TH MARCH 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been working hard on various jobs this week. Wendy and Terri did a perimeter walk of the wood to check the deer fencing and planning future paths for the wood.
Other tasks included:
They have continued raking and seed sowing the Dragon Garden central walkway.
Digging trenches around the cabin ready for rat proofing
Moved the fire pit
Sorted and tidied the portacabin for the Car Boot sale bits.
MONDAY 18TH MARCH 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team have continued their work on the Dragon Garden this week. They have been hard at work raking the central walkway, preparing it for seed sowing. The gate posts in the newly planted hedge at the bottom of the Garden were levelled and cret-ed into place.
Our excellent Harrow Way students planted the last few saplings to finish the hedge outside the Garden.
MONDAY 11TH MARCH 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has completed the last tree planting of the season! They have planted a 36m hedge in a zig-zag formation along the side of the Dragon Garden!
They then laid the mulch mat on the trees from Saturday's planting and began to mulch. The whole team worked on this together along with our fantastic Harrow Way Students.
MONDAY 4TH MARCH 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been hard at work preparing for Saturday's Volunteer Community Conservation Day. Andrew strimmed the area ready for hedgerow planting. Liang, Simone, Gareth and Jacey marked out the planting area, prepared the mulch mat, dug up and bagged the Limes ready for planting.
Our fantastic Harrow Way Students helped with the Saturday preparation; including marking out and mulch mat prep.
Other tasks included:
Liz, Doreen, Jo and John cleared the wood store.
Sam and Annette cleared the veranda and a pathway from the container to the cabin.
John and Jo repaired the fence and dug in the gate posts.
MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team had a successful workday today despite the VERY windy conditions! Lots of jobs were completed; before enjoying a much needed cuppa and brownies made by Annette.
Our fantastic Harrow Way Students helped with weeding and mulching the hedgerow by the metal gate, before replanting three Lime trees along the Lime Walk with Nature and Community Officer Jo.
Tasks included:
Sam organised container crates, for the newly organised tool container.
Abbey, Annette and Andrew measured and marked out the Dragon Garden Hedge ready for March’s Saturday Community Conservation Day.
Simone, Liang, Jacey, Garth and Hilary weeded and mulched the hedgerow by the metal gate. Other members of the team helped with this once they had finished their individual tasks.
Mitchell continued thinning the brambles.
Jo and John potted up the Christmas Tree.
MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team split into two teams to divide and conquer today! One team was at Harmony Woods and the other at our allotment on Vigo Road. Both teams were brilliant and worked hard to get the jobs done.
Harmony Woods tasks included:
Digging up trees to be taken to the allotment to be planted out and labelled.
Clearing down the side of the container ready for landscaping to begin.
Weeding and mulching the hedgeline near the main entrance to the wood.
Re-staking and straightening the trees in the Dragon Garden.
Allotment tasks included:
Tree ID.
Tree auditing.
Tree planting out.
Tree labelling.
MONDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team was back in the woods on this sunny Monday morning. The team has worked hard to make a good start on sorting the container.
Our hardworking Harrow Way students have been filling in the drainage trenches.
Other tasks included:
Heeling in the spare lime trees.
Planting dog violets out in the hazel circle and dragon garden.
Wood pile sorting.
A site audit and pond check.
Temporary repair to the deer fencing.
MONDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT VIGO ROAD ALLOTMENTS
The Volunteer Conservation Team had their first session at our allotment on Vigo Road this week. They have been getting the site ready to be used this year and checking on the trees in the nursery bed.
Our hardworking Harrow Way students have been weeding one of the flower beds and cleaning the flower pots.
Other tasks included:
Abbey audited the trees we have for this season.
Andrew, Jo, Simone, Sam, Ryan and Liang dug up the lime trees ready to be planted in the new Lime Walk at Harmony Woods on Saturday 10th February. They also dug over the beds ready for new planting.
Simone, Jo and Ryan heeled in the trees for the Dragon Garden Hedgerow.
Jaycee, Andrew and Liang planted out the Silver Birch and Aspen ready to be used next season.
Simone and Sam sweeped the path and polytunnel.
Annette, Liz and Annabel did tool maintenance and shed tidying, as well as weeding around the polytunnel.
Doreen was on tea duty and helped tidy the polytunnel.
MONDAY 29TH JANUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team has been working at Harmony Woods this morning. They have been continuing with the conservation of the site, conducting lots of maintenance in the wood. We were joined by two new volunteers this week, welcome Jo & John!
Our wonderful Harrow Way students have been practising the spade work again this week by filling in more of the drainage trenches around the cabin.
Other tasks included:
Abbey, Andrew and Liz have marked out Lime Walk, ready for planting on Saturday 10th February.
John, Sam and Ryan worked hard to get the fence posts in the ground around the Dragon Garden.
Simone, Jo, Jacy and Annette have tidied around the WI tree, memorial trees and the hedgerow, by clearing, weeding and mulching around the base of the trees.
Jaycee planted a wild cherry tree.
Trevor conducted a perimeter walk to check on the boundary fencing, before helping Mitchell with bramble clearing.
Annabel and Wendy continued to organise the store in the cabin.
MONDAY 15TH JANUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Volunteer Conservation Team (our new name!) have been working hard this week. Our KAVS award winning team have been conducting some much needed maintenance to the woods boundary, cutting back the encroaching brambles and mending the damaged deer fence.
Our wonderful Harrow Way students have been filling the drainage trenches around the cabin, some excellent spade work indeed!
Other tasks included:
repairing the picket fence around the Dragon Garden
coating the cabin floor with its second coat of sealant, ready for all our resources to be moved in.
Photos by Doreen Gregori and Terri Forbes
MONDAY 8TH JANUARY 2024 AT HARMONY WOODS
Welcome back and Happy New Year from all of us on the Monday Team!
The team enjoyed a lovely New Year tea break, to start the first ATU Volunteer Conservation Day of 2024! They then got stuck in with tasks around the new cabin, clearing the kitchen area after new worktops had been added.
Other Tasks Included:
Glove pairing after they had been cleaned from tree planting.
A perimeter walk of the whole wood was done to audit the fence for maintenance, as well as for mapping all the significant and memorial trees. (Some key maintenance issues identified below!).
Our excellent Harrow Way Students also tackled the clearing of the last of the woodpile.
Photos by Doreen Gregori
MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week was the final Monday Workday of 2023! The team has spent the year doing a fantastic job of caring for Harmony Woods and finished off the year with some very hard work.
Tasks included:
The students from Harrow Way helped regular team members Doreen, Annabel, Simone, Ryan and Liang mulch the hedgerow by the Enham gate.
Trevor, Andrew and Sam finished the fence around the Dragon Garden.
Mitchell scythed the bramble hedgerow back to make it easier to pick.
Annette, Sam, Lorna, Doreen and Terri made wreaths ready for orders that have been placed
Liz made the tea and cake!
Check in next year to see what the team will be up to in 2024. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Andover Trees!
Photos by Doreen Gregori and Terri Forbes
MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team reconvened at Harmony Woods this week after tree planting at Bury Hill Nature Reserve for the last three weeks.
On Monday’s chilly morning the team have been busy tidying and organising the cabin area ready for its grand opening! They also did a perimeter walk to check on the fencing and see if any repairs are needed.
Meanwhile, Nature and Community Officers Abbey & Jo, where out at Andover College attending their volunteer fair (thank you Kay for our lovely new banner!). It was lovely to meet so many keen students, thank you to those that showed interest and signed up to volunteer.
Photos by Terri Forbes & Jo Oliver-Hawkins
MONDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today the Monday workday team enjoyed a chilly morning in the woods. Thankfully the rain held off long enough for the team to get the jobs done!
Tasks included:
The team has been working on shearing the wildflower chalk mounds, to tidy them up for winter.
The wood pile is getting there, with still some sorting left to go.
Work has also been done to maintain the hedgerow around the pond.
Andrew and Shane were on tool maintenance.
Trevor was inspecting the water through the pipelines.
Photos by Doreen Gregori
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 30TH OCTOBER AT HARMONY WOODS
Today’s tasks included:
Planting out the remaining primroses in the Hazel Circle
Continuing work on the safe storage of the wood pile
Auditing kit for Schools’ Planting Weeks
Weeding and mulching the hedge lines
The Harrow Way students started collecting wildflower seeds from the chalk mound - a haven for pollinators in summer - and shearing it. While vegetative cover is important for wildlife over winter, it’s important to remove it from areas designated for wildflowers, because if it is left to die back and decay that process will add nutrients to the soil and allow more dominant species to take hold.
The team were also treated to a delicious spread of homemade bread and cheese accompanied by different jams, jellies, and chutneys, made by Terri and Annette from ingredients foraged in Harmony Woods!
MONDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been at it again! This week has been particularly busy with lots of events to prepare for.
Tasks included:
Trevor and Andrew have been preparing an area of the site for a memorial cherry tree planting, by strimming and pre-digging the holes.
Andrew and Sam then continued strimming duties in the Hazel Circle ready for primrose planting.
Liang, Eddie, Lucas and Annabel have also weeded and mulched the sloe hedge by the compost loo.
Luis and Tony have mended the broken table!
They also had a lovely visit from a Pond frog, check out a lovely picture by Annabel below!
Photos by Doreen Gregori and Annabel Gunter
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been hard at work this week. They have mulched along Cherry Tree Walk. The Harroway Students worked very hard to wheelbarrow mulch along the ride.
Other tasks included
The team completed the Welcome Gateway at the top end of Harmony Woods.
They repaired the broken slat in the fence by the main entrance to the wood.
ATU has also very kindly been donated another wheelbarrow from Haemmerlin Co. Thank you very much for your support!
Photo taken by Doreen Gregori
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday team had a lovely morning at Harmony Woods this week. They have done more work on the water drainage pipes, from the cabin to the pond. They then weeded along Cherry Tree Walk, around tree bases, ready for mulching after the expected rain, with the Harrow Way Students.
Other tasks included:
Cleaning the Portacabin,
Measuring the gate ready for its fixings
Continuing tidying the wood pile!
Photos by Terri Forbes and Doreen Gregori
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team had some exciting new additions this week. They welcomed some new student volunteers from Harrow Way School! The new students joined our experienced student volunteers and our Monday Team experts to help weed the nursery beds after a site walk of Harmony Woods.
Other tasks included:
The pipeline from the Cabin to the pond was repaired, establishing a flow of water.
The right side of the Cabin was strimmed, sheared and tidied.
The wood pile was organised some more. The radar gate entrance was also strimmed.
After all that hard work the team enjoyed some tea and cake in celebration of the walkers completing their fundraising walk of the Test Way. Again, a special thank you to our walkers; Ben, Shane, Andrew, Liz and Annette!
Photos by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been hard at work this week, preparing the woods for Autumn. The main task for the team was to rake the freshly cut meadow. This is important because chalk meadow wildflowers like the soil to be low in nutrients. If the grass was left to break down in the meadow, this would increase the nutrients in the soil, resulting in poor wildflower yield next year. This task was done by Liang, Liz, Simone, Chris, Luis and Trevor. Other tasks included:
The straightening and reinforcement of the new gate posts by Chris, Luis and Trevor.
The drainage pipes from the cabin to the pond were inspected by Trevor and Chris.
Henry and Sam did the beating up and listed all dead whips which need replacing.
Photos by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
On a very wet Monday Workday the team have been getting things ready for Peace Day on Thursday 21st September, where Andover Trees United will be doing their annual procession.
They have cleared the kit from the Land Rover.
Prepared peace doves.
Raked the meadow after its cut on Sunday.
Moved soil pile.
Collected rubbish for a dump run.
Continued maintenance of Enham gate fencing.
Photos by Doreen Gregori
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This Monday was at our allotment on Vigo Road. The team worked really hard to get the area ready for the Autumn/Winter season, and Tree Planting. Check out the before and after picture below. The tasks this week included;
Shane, Andrew and Sam clipped, pruned and tidied the hedgeline.
Liang, Simone and Annabel weeded the nursery beds.
Everyone tackled the overgrown patio beds and patio area.
Wendy was on gate duty and refreshments.
Simone and Abigail audited and organised the wildflowers, where they found a four leaf clover!
Thanks to Sonny and Sam for sorting and tidying flowerpots. The polytunnel is looking much better!
A special thanks to Dave for his washing up duties.
Photos by Doreen Gregori
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
Photos by Doreen Gregori
MONDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This Monday was an extremely hot Workday for the team! But what better way to spend some time in the sun, than caring for our community woodland at Harmony Woods. The team split into several groups this week;
The Gate Team collected their supplies and placed the posts ready for the gateway to be added.
The Dragon Garden Team continued with the mound sculpting.
The Tree Team started auditing the trees, ready for tree planting season.
The Cabin Team started sorting and clearing beside the container. They also gave some of the tools a good clean and checking over.
Phots taken by Doreen Gregori and Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 21ST AUGUST 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Monday Workday this week was a busy one! The fencing crew (Trevor, Shane, Andrew and Chris) were out in force, measuring and collecting new posts ready for the gate to be repositioned. We are relocating the gates over the next few weeks, to allow for better protection to the wood.
Other tasks included:
Simone and Terri were sieving the leftover soil to be able to carry on levelling where the archeological pit was dug. This will make it ready to be reseeded in the autumn.
Sarah, Henry and Liang carried on defining and shaping the mounds in the Dragon Garden.
Annette went off to do some foraging and came back with two bags of rowan berries to make some jam with.
Members of ATU Youth group helped Jo and Abbey with the children’s Summer Activity Programme ‘Nature Explorers’.
Photos taken by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 14th AUGUST 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been working with the Dragon Garden volunteers this morning, to help with part two! The smoothing and sculpting of the mounds is coming along nicely.
The soil was perfect for working with on Monday morning… They raked stones and clods off the flat walkway in the middle of the garden and scraped the soil underneath which was filled into buckets and used as topsoil to make moulding easier. It will also be better for planting into in October.
They also managed to rebuild the fence around the dragon garden, making sure the area is kept safe and secure.
Photos by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 31ST JULY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Workday Team has been helping with the first part of the Dragon Garden this week! The first part has seen the earth moving part of the project, placing it in the right locations to form the mounds. The Workday Team started the basic shaping of the earth, compacting it with shovels to give it its dragon/cockatrice shape. They were able to rake back the central area, levelling it off.
They made fantastic progress, meaning the dragon has really started to take shape! Thank you for all your help!
Part Two starts Saturday 12th August! We will be smoothing and sculpting the mounds into the perfect shape, ready for planting in October. If you would like to sign-up; please email abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk
Photos by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 24TH JULY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been hard at work this week! The wood needs lots of maintenance in the summer months, which the team is excellent at carrying out. Lots of the tasks this week involved prepping the area for the new feature, The Dragon Garden! If you would like to help out with this, please contact abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk
Tasks included:
Sorted the wood pile, and secured it behind a heras fence.
Sheared the mounds ready for the dragon garden to begin on the weekend.
Cleared and weeded the dragon garden area.
Secured the old dig site.
Finished back filling the new dig site.
They also had a lovely visit from a hedgehog, pictured below!
Photo by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 17TH JULY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been on a mission this week! They have finally managed to clear behind the compost loos to allow for the old cube to be moved behind it. Our compost loo is a ThunderBox which is the most sustainable and simplest way of providing a remote or off-grid toilet. The old cube will now make compost to be used in the woods in a few years.
Other tasks included:
Completed backfilling trench and covering of new archaeology trench.
Covered the old archaeology trench.
Fenced around a better quality wood pile.
Put up more security signage.
Photos by Terri Forbes and Jo Oliver-Hawkins
There had been some damage to the original archaeology ditch trench, due to anti-social behaviour, over the weekend. People have lit a campfire in the trench, as well as in the gated area adjacent to it. Unfortunately, this has caused some damage to the trench that the Archaeologist and the community of Andover have spent years uncovering. Consequently we had to sorting, salvage, and cover the trench in order to protect it and make it safe.
We ask that NO FIRES of any kind are lit in Harmony/Diamond Woods without express permission from the Andover Trees United Team. If you see anyone acting suspicious, please contact us. With the dry weather conditions this could have been much worse, especially because the wood is so close to schools and housing!
Photos by Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 10TH JULY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
The Monday Team has been hard at work this week! They have managed to cover a large variety of jobs that needed to be completed after the Community Archaeology took precedence over the last few weeks.
Tasks included:
The dugout section from the dig has been backfilled and protected, ready for next year’s excavation.
The pond has had a good clear out of all the mare’s tails.
The nursery beds have had fantastic weeding and watering.
Some more signs were made for the nursery beds by the Harrow Way students.
We had some great finds this morning with the best one being a complete exoskeleton of a dragonfly larva (pictured below).
Photos taken by Abbey Sadler and Terri Forbes
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 3RD JULY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Between the Barrows continues!
The Monday team has once again been helping with the community archaeology project this week. As we enter the final week of the dig, the team from Southampton University and our Monday Workday team have been troweling the dig site and sieving the spoil to look for struck flint!
This week they have managed to uncover the chalk walls of the barrow at the original site from 2016, that is located to the left of the cabin.
Check out this Friday’s blog post for the full details of this community Archaeology project.
Photos by Abbey Sadler
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 26TH JUNE 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Between the Barrows has begun!
This Monday workday was very different, as it was the start of our community archaeology dig program. With the lovely team from Southampton University staying on site, a team of lovely volunteers worked with them to continue the excavation of the bronze age barrow that lies underneath Harmony Woods.
Tasks included:
Mattoking
Spoil pile sieving
Flint Sorting
The Harrow Way students also got to join in with the dig!
More to follow on this exciting event. Look out for more blog updates and news articles.
Photos by Jo Oliver-Hawkins
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 19TH JUNE 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass! The Monday Workday Team has been hard at work mowing the rides! Both coppicing and the creation of rides and glades mimic natural processes of fires and storms, which open up expanses of woodland to sunlight, allowing ground flora to flourish, taller grassland areas to thrive, and fallen trees to rot down. Eventually, scrub takes over, saplings grow, and the woodland canopy closes up again. All of these areas provide unique habitats for an array of species.
Other tasks included:
Tidying and sorting the portacabin, after its move ready for the community archaeology dig next week.
Removing the horsetail from the pond
Tidying the wood pile
Watering the Poplar Tree planted in memory of Barbara Long.
The Harrow Way students have weeded and labelled the nursery beds!
Photos taken by Abbey Sadler and Terri Forbes
A Purple-loosestrife was found in the pond area by Andrew. In the family Lythraceae, it is a perennial that likes to be on marginal vegetation of lakes, rivers, ponds, canals etc. It can attract over 30 different herbivores insects including the elephant hawk moth!
Photo taken by Andrew Whitney
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 12TH JUNE 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Monday Workday was a busy one at Harmony Woods today. The team worked hard in the scorching sun to complete the following tasks:
The portacabin was emptied and cleaned, ready to be moved this week for ‘Between the Barrows’ by Terri, Sam and Simone.
All the equipment was sorted in the new cabin safely by Terri, Sam and Simone.
The area beside the new cabin was tied and strimmed by Doreen and Claire.
The chippings used to protect the path in winter were collected by Annabell.
A new watering system was set up by Trevor and Luis for the Poplar Tree planted in memory of Barbara Long.
Photos by Abbey Sadler
The team also took turns placing their painted wooden disc on the compost loo to finish the King’s Coronation Murial.
Photos by Abbey Sadler
The Harrow Way students and Nature and Community Officers Abbey and Jo went down to the eastern end of the wood to measure and mark out the proposed new wildflower meadow. They also had some lovely visits from some Cinnabar Moths and Small Heath Butterflies.
Photos by Abbey Sadler
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 5TH JUNE 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Monday Workday was back at Harmony Woods today. The team worked hard in the sun to complete the following tasks:
The dipping pond was cleared and topped up
The hedgeline was weeded and mulched.
The Compost Loo was treated with varnish to protect it from the weather.
The Harrow Way students, and Nature and Community Officer Jo, potted up trees from the nursery bed, ready to be planted out in the autumn/winter.
Photos by Jo Oliver-Hawkins
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 22ND MAY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Unfortunately, due to sickness, Monday Workday was cancelled this week. However the students from Harrow Way still met in Harmony Woods with Nature and Community Officer Jo and two of our regular volunteers Trevor and Luis. The tasks included:
Mulching and weeding around the new hedgerows planting in the winter.
Enjoying some fun and hard work in the sun!
Photos taken by Jo Oliver-Hawkins
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Email doreen.gregori@andovertrees.org.uk or wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
MONDAY 15TH MAY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Allotment Time! Today our regular workday took us to the Allotments on Vigo Road, Andover. This week's tasks Included:
Wildflower pricking out by Linda, Sharon, Liang and the Harrow Way Students.
Weeding of the nursery beds.
Mending the storage planter. Thank you Luis!
Painting of the sheds and shelving by Andrew, Sam and Simone.
Young volunteers from Harrow Way School, walked through the allotments checking out all the fruit and veg growing and seeing what they could identify. They then helped the Andover Trees United volunteer team in the polytunnel with wildflower pricking out!
Photos by Doreen Gregori and Jo Oliver-Hawkins
MONDAY 8TH MAY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Long Live the King! Today was a very special addition to our regular workday. Andover Trees United and the local people of Andover took part in the ‘Big Help Out’ for King Charles III coronation! The event was sponsored in part by Test Valley Borough Council.
Many lovely people came to volunteer their time at Harmony Woods on Monday the 8th May, to follow the new King’s wishes to volunteer on the coronation bank holiday. Andover Trees United worked hard to put on a range of activities to celebrate the historic event. Activities included;
Clearing of the newly planted hedgerow. Weeding, clearing, replacing and straightening spiral guards - all helping to allow the hedge to grow to the best of its potential.
Our wonderful carpenter Ben Startup, volunteered his time to help continue the cabin building. He was joined by several other professionals to finish a little bit more of the woodland classroom.
A truly momentous task was the maintenance of the compost toilets. The front loo needed to be fixed and the tank for both loos needed to be replaced. After Wendy drove to Devon to get us a new tank; Luis, Steve, Abbey and Ali managed to take apart the wooden frame and replace the tank. Craig from Jewsons lent a hand with his pallet forklift, and the front loo was fixed.
Our lovely new Land-Rover was not looking so new any more! James and his team made her look brand new again by giving her a much needed wash.
Our Ecology Intern, Laura, continued with 2023 Nature in Harmony Data collection with the help of volunteers Patrick and Andrew.
To memorialise the event Andover Trees United decided to create a coronation mural with hand-painted wooden discs. Each member of the community painted a disc with wildflowers, native trees and local animals, that will be displayed on the side of the compost toilets in a coronation mural.
Photos taken by Terri Forbes
Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Louisa Portal attended in her capacity as representative of the King, to give a lovely address and celebrate the Junior Foresters of the Nature in Harmony Youth Team by awarding them their 'Queen’s Green Canopy' coins.
Lady Portal, who is a longtime supporter of Andover Trees United, thanked the team for all the hard work over the years as well as for the ‘Big Help Out’. She also read a letter from Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson, please read below:
The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant ended her speech with a toast to the new king that was followed by cake made by Amy.
Photo taken by Terri Forbes
Andover Trees United would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all that attended the event. It was wonderful to see so many people brave the weather (which in the end was quite kind to us), and to see so many new faces. We hope to see all of you in the future!
Photo taken by Abbey Sadler
Staying in Touch
To stay in touch, it helps to register for the monthly newsletter on our website: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/newsletter
We meet in the woods (or on the allotment) every Monday and on the second Saturday of the month - but there are lots of behind the scenes ways to help out if you would like to. Saturday 13th May 1:00-3:30 we will be spreading mulch over your beautifully cleared hedgerow bases.
We hope to see you again soon!
MONDAY 24TH APRIL 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
It’s Wildflower Season! Today our regular workday took us to the Allotments on Vigo Road, Andover. This week's tasks Included:
Wildflower seed sowing in the polytunnel.
The creation of a gravel bed, including edging, ready for wildflower watering.
Weeding the allotment plot, especially the flower beds, ready for planting.
Young volunteers from Harrow Way School, walked through the allotments checking out all the fruit and veg growing and seeing what they could identify. They then helped the Andover Trees United volunteer team in the polytunnel with wildflower seed sowing!
We had several visits from many small creatures, including a funnel weaving Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica).
MONDAY 17TH APRIL 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
After a bank holiday Monday off, the team were back at Harmony Woods this week:
Andrew and Joe were weeding and mulching the orchard by the pond, and started on some of the trees by the portacabin.
Doreen created a makeshift fence across the entrance to the wildflower meadow to prevent visitors from walking on it, to enable the safe and strong growth of the flowers.
Fence and gate maintenance were carried out by Luis and Trevor.
There was also rubbish to be cleared and bagged up.
Youth volunteers from Harrow Way School, checked the Pinch Point and tidied up any rubbish. (The Pinch Point was created in the north-west corner of the site by our Nature in Harmony Exchange Project youth team, to reduce the amount of open ground wildlife has to cross from the shelter of the mature trees and boundary hedgerow to the long grasses and young trees of Harmony Woods.) They then re-staked and replaced broken guards on the new hedgerow with the help of ATU’s Nature and Community Officer Jo. The two also created signs to go along the new wildflower meadow fence to help passersby understand why the area is cordoned off.
Nature and Community Officer Abbey and Ecology Intern Laura, continued with Nature In Harmony data collection for 2023. The data collection started at the beginning of the month and runs weekly till the end of September. If you have a good knowledge of data collection techniques and identification of chalk grassland and woodland species, and would like to help, please email laura.morrell@andovertrees.org.uk. Laura will also be running citizen science events on the fourth Saturday of each month between April and September. The first of these is April 29th and will focus on trees - please email if you would like to take part.
MONDAY 3RD APRIL 2023 AT THE ALLOTMENT
The team returned to our allotment on Vigo Road to start sowing seeds for the wildflowers that will be grown over the coming months, ready for planting at Harmony Woods and elsewhere in the summer. Other tasks were weeding the nursery bed and applying soil enhancer, heeling in more surplus tree whips, and potting up ash seedlings.
MONDAY 27TH MARCH 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Tasks today included extending the nursery bed and heeling in surplus tree whips to keep them going until next tree planting season, weeding the mulch pile, tidying areas of the wood, sorting and tidying the wood pile, and filling in potholes in the track.
MONDAY 20TH MARCH 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s jobs included: edging the nursery bed, sharpening and cleaning shears, cleaning tools, sorting out the canes, cleaning the portacabin, and doing a dump run!
MONDAY 13TH MARCH 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
We are expecting a delivery of mulch this week so one of today’s tasks was clearing the remains of the old one. The team also did some maintenance of the hedge line along the Princess Anne Tree enclosure, completed installing the sign timeline along the fences of the enclosure, extended the nursery bed, ‘heeled in’ spare bare-rooted tree whips, and planting an oak tree that had been donated.
MONDAY 6TH MARCH 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s tasks included heeling in spare bare-rooted tree whips into the nursery bed, clipping the hedge by the pond, and continuing with fencing and installing the timeline signs along the fence surrounding the Princess Anne Tree enclosure.
MONDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week the team completed this year’s beating up! This included the section of hedgerow along the ride leading from the Anton lane gate to the Co-Op hedge, and just a few to locate in another section of the wood. The memorial trees were also checked. Work also continued on extending the nursery bed.
MONDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week the team continued weeding around the bases of the orchard trees, and beating up in some of the final areas.
MONDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today’s tasks included: more beating up (checking and replacing tree saplings that have died), weeding around the bases of the orchard trees near the pond and the trees around Princess Anne’s Tree, strimming by the gate, putting a border around the nursery bed, and assessing the height of the hedging around the pond with a view to trimming.
MONDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today a tree was planted in memory of Barbara Townsend Long, a founding member of Andover Trees United who sadly died last year. Barbara’s husband Nigel Long attended with a few guests. The large tree was part of last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden designed by Sarah Eberle; as part of its sustainability, most of the plants used in the garden were donated to ATU to rehome. We would like to thank Kieron Beattie Landscapes Ltd for storing this tree and others until decisions could be made about their new homes, and for bringing machinery today to dig the hole and lower the tree into the ground.
Afterwards, regular workday tasks continued: beating up, pond maintenance, and nursery bed extension. The Harrow Way students made fat balls to feed birds during this crucial time of late winter known as ‘the hungry gap’.
MONDAY 30TH JANUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Today we had a delivery from Jewson of more milled floorboards for the Cabin. Andrew strimmed the long grass around the pond, and Henry and Annette dug up some of the bullrushes and willow saplings in and around the pond to stop them taking over. Liang and Doreen did some more beating up, and Luis and Trevor raised the big seating logs off the ground to stop them deteriorating further.
MONDAY 23RD JANUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
A very frosty day, and everything was frozen! Today’s tasks included more beating up of hedgerows, extending the nursery bed, and creating a compost bin.
MONDAY 16TH JANUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s jobs included beating up a hedgerow (replacing dead whips), clearing rubbish for a dump run, and the Harrow Way students did a litter pick :)
The team also continued fencing around the Princess Anne Tree, which was the very first tree planted on the site in 2012, by HRH Princess Anne. A few footpaths have been worn into the area around it and we would like to direct people to just one, past the tree and commemorative plaque, to prevent further erosion and allow the vegetation to regrow.
MONDAY 9TH JANUARY 2023 AT HARMONY WOODS
Our first session of the new year!
Trevor, Luis, and Chris continued building fencing. Liang and Andrew replaced dead beech hedging. The pupils from Harrow Way School released a field mouse that Doreen caught in her shed, and built little habitat piles of deadwood… house for the mouse! Lee put some more bark chip down where the path was muddy. And we used the new orange wheelbarrow very kindly donated by a friend of Luis.
MONDAY 7TH NOVEMBER AT HARMONY WOODS
This week’s tasks included:
‘Beating up’ (removing dead trees) in the hedgerow in preparation for a second row to be planted this Saturday
Planting out the last of the clover grown in pots at the allotment over the summer
Tidying and mulching around the dipping pond
Weeding the nursery bed
Carrying out maintenance of the co-op hedgerow
Youth volunteers from Harrow Way School trimmed and cleared the long grass from the base of some of our special commemorative trees, and there was also great excitement at the arrival of ATU’s Land Rover! It is the first time the charity has owned it’s own ‘wheels’ and the purchase is thanks to our Reaching Communities grant so we extend a grateful thanks to all Big Lottery players. The vehicle has arrived just in time to ferry the tools and equipment needed for this year’s schools’ tree planting at Bury Hill between November 15th and December 1st; we still need lots of extra hands for this so please do get in touch if you can help, by emailing volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk.
There are also still places available for the first tree planting of the year this Saturday November 12th, 1:15pm - 3:30pm, so please email if you would like to come along!
MONDAY 26th SEPT AT HARMONY WOODS
This week the work team gathered up the raked grass heaps from the main wildflower meadow and began raking the second grass circle. Time was also spent shearing and clearing the chalk mound meadow and clearing creeping thistle and common ragwort from the Habitat’s Trail area.
Wildlife spot: common frog - a relative from the allotment frog we spotted last week? ;)
MONDAY 12th SEPT AT HARMONY WOODS
Today we spent the morning clearing the rubbish and generally tidying the site in preparation for International Peace Day on 21st September.
Trevor Chris and Ian carried on with their fencing project.
Annabelle and Doreen did a dump run.
We had a walk around and identified and listed jobs coming up such as cutting and raking the flower meadow, seed collecting, foraging hazelnuts, cutting Hazel ring bushes etc.
MONDAY 5th SEPTEMBER AT THE ALLOTMENT
Volunteers have been working hard to strim, trim, weed and tidy the allotment.
The watering team have been keeping the wildflower plants and nursery bed trees alive during the hot weather so the rain today was a welcome guest!
Tea break was a real treat this week with Annette bringing homemade bread and a choice of homemade conserves using rowan berries, crab apples, and blackberries from Harmony Woods.
