ANDOVER TREES UNITED

FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

This month marked the first Community Conservation Day of 2025, and what a fantastic start it was! With a spirit of collaboration and care for our environment, the team officially launched the ‘beating up’ programme for the 2024-2025 tree planting season.

For those unfamiliar, ‘beating up’ is a crucial part of tree planting efforts. It involves replacing any saplings that didn’t survive from previous planting seasons, ensuring that the hedgerows and woodlands can thrive as intended.

This session, the team focused on completing two hedgerows, planting an array of dogwood, hawthorn, and hornbeam trees to strengthen and restore these vital green corridors.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there’s plenty more to do this tree-planting season. Together, we can nurture nature and create a greener future for all. Stay tuned for updates on future Community Conservation Days and other environmental initiatives!

Monday 27th January

Despite being greeted by wet and windy weather, our dedicated team of volunteers showed up in full force today for another fantastic conservation day. Spirits remained high as we tackled various tasks to improve and prepare the site for upcoming activities.

The team pushed through challenging weather to continue "beating up," a term used for replanting or replacing saplings where needed to ensure the success of our woodland restoration efforts.

Liz, Simone, and Sam braved the elements to scythe down overgrown vegetation along the Right of Way, making way for next week’s tree-planting day with a group of business volunteers. Their hard work will ensure a smooth and efficient planting session.

Brian replaced the cap on the vent pipe of the compost toilets, a small but essential task to keep the facilities functioning smoothly for all.

Read more here: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/blog-list/diggingit2

Want to get involved, email abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk

The team have started work on refurbishing the new site office! We are now looking for volunteers over the next few months to help with this refurbishment. Whether you're available during the week or on Saturdays, we’d love to have you join us!

Opportunities include:

• Assisting the contractor with refurbishment tasks

• Improving your carpentry skills

• Helping install a wood burner, solar panels, and a green roof

If you're interested, please get in touch — we’d love to see new faces and continue growing our amazing community of volunteers (abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk).

We are excited to invite you to this Saturday’s Community Conservation Day at Harmony Woods, happening from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

This time, we’ll be planting an area of Dog Rose, just outside of the conservation corner. If you haven't planted a tree yet, now's your chance! It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn how to plant trees and care for them, whether you’re new to tree planting or looking to sharpen your skills.

We’d love to know if you can make it, it helps us with refreshment quantities!
Please contact abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk

Join local storyteller Amanda Kane-Smith for a magical day of storytelling, games, and crafts in the beautiful Harmony Woods!

Morning session (10am-12pm) for 3-6/7 year-olds

Afternoon session (2pm-4pm) for 7-11 year-olds

Cost: £8 per child (includes snacks and all craft materials). Parents of younger children will need to stay and join the fun!

Please contact michelle.graham@andovertrees.org.uk

For 9-14 year-olds passionate about tackling the climate crisis, the Plant-for-the-Planet Academy is the perfect programme! This free, peer-led, day-long event empowers young people to take the lead on climate action.

Priority will be given to 10-12 year-olds if oversubscribed.

Please contact Wendy Davis at wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk to register or for more information.

Read more here: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/events-calendar