ANDOVER TREES UNITED

JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

This month marked the return of the "Between the Barrows" community archaeology project, led by Dr. Chris Elmer, a lecturer in archaeology at the University of Southampton, with support from Dr. Alex Walker and geophysicist Dominic Barker. This is a passion project for the archaeologists, who use their annual leave for the dig. We are very grateful for their ongoing involvement and for providing this unique opportunity for the local community. Here, they reflect on this year's dig: 

''We always look forwards to our fortnight of digging at Harmony Woods, and over the years (10 next year!) we have witnessed the amazing transformation of the site as the woodland matures. We have also learnt so much more about the archaeology with trenches revealing the exact location of the Bronze Age ring ditch that surrounded the now ploughed out round barrow. This year Dom, Alex and Chris with the help of community volunteers, schools and colleagues have continued to investigate the ditch with finds of worked flint tools and Bronze Age pottery. Thank you all for your support and here’s looking forward to Ten years of archaeology at Harmony Woods''.

~ Chris, Alex & Dom

June saw the continuation of our Respect the Wild campaign, where we’re sharing a series of blog posts focused on conservation and enjoying natural spaces responsibly. Read our blog posts below to learn more:  

Respect the Wild and Why It Matters 
Why Biodiversity Matters in Harmony Woods 
Tall Grass Wild Heart - why let it grow?
Know Before You Go: Roam Responsibly
How to walk your dog at a Nature Reserve
A Scent Walk is coming to Andover's Diamond Woods
The Ground Beneath Our Feet: Why Every Step Matters

On Friday 6^th June, we had the pleasure of welcoming a fantastic team of 33 volunteers from Simply Health to Diamond Wood for a day of giving back to nature – and what an incredible day it was!

Learn about what happened here: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/blog-list/diggingit2 

We were delighted to welcome Sarah and Charles Flower to The Diamond Wood to carry out a baseline botanical survey of the area that will soon become our new wildflower meadow, due to be planted in October. We’re incredibly grateful for their expertise and guidance, and we’re looking forward to continuing this project to enrich biodiversity.

Discover their findings and recommendations here: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/blog-list/2025/6/19/baseline-wildflower-survey-at-harmony-woods-visit-from-sarah-and-charles-flower

Newsflash! Due to unforeseen circumstances, we won’t be taking part in the procession this year. The good news is we're hoping to have a stall on the High Street instead! We’re working with CAS through workshops to help develop this.

Join us on these dates to co-create trees, plants and creatures for the Carnival!
5th July 11am- 3pm: O2 Shop in Chantry Centre 
12th July 11am - 3pm: Andover Trees Cabin in the Diamond Wood 

If you’d like to help, we’d really appreciate it. And even if you can’t, feel free to stop by and say hi!

We are excited to invite you to a summer OPEN DAY and this months Community Conservation day on the 12th July from 10AM-1PM at Harmony Woods. 
 

We are excited to invite you to this months Wild Harmony session at Harmony Woods happening on Saturday 19th July from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

This month, we’ll complete a Summer Meadow Walk at Harmony Woods. We will discover the variety of butterfly and wildflower species found on chalk grassland through citizen science and fun identification activities. This is a Free event with refreshments provided!

Come along, get involved and be a part of this exciting citizen science journey.

Contact Hebe Everington hebe.everington@andovertrees.org.uk to sign up.