Summer 2025 Nature Explorers
This summer, Harmony Woods (Diamond Wood) came alive with the laughter, curiosity, and creativity of Andover’s young adventurers. Across four magical sessions, our Nature Explorers Summer 2025 programme invited children to discover the wonders of the natural world through storytelling, crafts, games, and exploration.
Session One: The Awongalema Tree – Thursday, 7th August
The season began with a morning brimming with discovery, creativity, and laughter. Beneath the shade of the woods, Natalia set the tone with the enchanting tale of the Awongalema Tree, told with warmth and wonder. Inspired by the story, the children set off on a woodland forage, gathering natural treasures before transforming their finds into imaginative Awongalema Trees of their own under Matt’s guidance.
After a well-earned snack, the morning closed with lively parachute and team games—sparking teamwork and joy before tired but happy explorers headed home.
Session Two: Little Red Riding Hood – Thursday, 14th August
Harmony Woods welcomed back our young explorers for a joyful second session. This time, Amanda from Merry-go-Round Storytelling brought the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood to life in the heart of the woods. Captivated by her performance, the children’s imaginations were soon overflowing with ideas.
Led by Hebe, the adventurers crafted their very own grandmother wolf masks, filling the woodland with colourful, playful wolves. After snacks, parachute games and team activities once again had everyone working together and laughing in the summer sunshine.
Session Three: Wildflower Fairies – Tuesday, 19th August
The third session was filled with wonder as Amanda and Hebe enchanted the children with tales of wildflower fairies. Surrounded by real wildflowers growing all around them, the explorers listened in awe before diving into a hands-on craft activity: creating their very own wildflower fairies from natural woodland materials.
The day rounded out with parachute fun and energetic team games, the woods echoing with laughter as the children worked together before heading home with stories to share.
Session Four: Teddy Bears Picnic – Tuesday, 26th August
The grand finale of the programme was a much-anticipated Teddy Bears Picnic—a lively three-hour celebration in Harmony Woods. Amanda, joined by Natalia and Hebe, led an interactive retelling of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, before the children crafted their own teddy bear ear headdresses in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Following clues through the woodland, the group discovered a very special guest—a teddy bear waiting to join them for a woodland picnic. After sharing food beneath the trees, the children worked together on a collaborative hanging mobile, now proudly decorating Harmony Woods. The day closed with energetic games and a gentle Teddy Bears Picnic tale read by Natalia.
A special thank you went to George Chin, whose beautifully detailed map of Harmony Woods guided the bear hunt and became a treasured resource throughout the summer’s sessions.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
A huge thank you goes out to our wonderful young explorers, our dedicated volunteers, and all the behind-the-scenes supporters. Your efforts made this summer’s Nature Explorers programme such a success, helping the children of Andover connect with the magic of the natural world.
The Teddy Bears Picnic was a fitting end to a summer of discovery, creativity, and joy—memories that will stay with Andover’s young adventurers long after the season has closed.
Stay tuned for future Nature Explorers adventures in Harmony Woods—where stories, nature, and imagination meet.