Explore the Wild: A New Monthly Nature Series Launches at Andover Trees United
Where ecology, creativity and curiosity meet
This month, Andover Trees United is proud to launch an exciting new programme designed to help young people and families connect more deeply with the natural world.
Explore the Wild is a brand new monthly event series led by our 2026 Ecology Intern, Kanchi Mehta, bringing together ecology, science, creativity and outdoor exploration in the heart of our woodlands.
Running throughout the seasons, taking place once a month, these immersive sessions invite participants to notice nature in new ways whether that’s identifying wildlife during a BioBlitz, sketching wildflowers in bloom, learning how bats navigate using sound, or creating beautiful cyanotype “light photographs” inspired by the woodland itself.
At Andover Trees United, inspiring and educating young people about the environment sits at the core of our mission. We believe that creating meaningful experiences in nature helps build lifelong curiosity, care and understanding for the world around us.
Explore the Wild has been carefully designed to do exactly that. Each session combines hands-on learning with scientific observation, encouraging participants to ask questions, explore ecosystems and understand how wildlife and habitats change throughout the year. Many of the activities also blend creativity with ecology, showing that science and art can work together to deepen our appreciation of nature.
The series launches on Saturday 30th May 2026 with a Spring BioBlitz, inviting families and nature lovers of all ages to head into the woods with nature backpacks and identification guides to record and share wildlife discoveries as spring bursts into life.
Join Us
Whether you are fascinated by wildlife, curious about ecology, enjoy creative outdoor activities or simply want to spend more time noticing the world around you, Explore the Wild offers a chance to experience nature differently across the changing seasons.
For more information, contact: Kanchi Mehta - kanchi.mehta@andovertrees.org.uk
Please see below for an overview on the activity host, Kanchi, and key dates on upcoming sessions!
Meet Kanchi
Kanchi Mehta is a Biology graduate and aspiring ecologist who works with Andover Trees to care for the environment. She specialises in bugs and is passionate about helping others learn to care for and love nature. Alongside ecology, Kanchi is also an artist and wildlife fact aficionado who loves working with the local community and finding creative ways to inspire curiosity about the natural world.
2026 Explore the Wild Calendar
First up on Saturday 30th May 2026: BioBlitz - Family and all ages. Kickstarting the series with a seasonal BioBlitz, exploring the woods to discover and record the wildlife around us as spring arrives in full force.
Saturday 27th June 2026: Wildflower Walk - Family and all ages. A guided walk through the woods to observe native flowers in bloom, learn field sketching techniques and practise the art of observing without picking.
Saturday 25th July 2026: What the Trees See – Cyanotypes (Light Photography) - Ages 7+. Funded by a Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Grow Wild Youth Grant, this creative workshop explores traditional cyanotype photography inspired by woodland life and sunlight.
Tuesday 18th August 2026: The Nature of Sound – Evening Bat Walk & Survey - Ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). An evening bat walk and survey exploring how bats navigate through sound and darkness, using specialist bat survey equipment.
Saturday 12th September 2026: End of Season BioBlitz - Family and all ages. A second seasonal BioBlitz to observe how the woodland has changed as autumn approaches and wildlife prepares for colder months.
Wednesday 7th October 2026: Autumn & Winter Wildlife ID - Learn how to identify wildlife, seasonal changes, tracks, signs and species active during the colder months.
Friday 20th November 2026: Cabinets of Curiosity: Collecting & Displaying - A creative and scientific session exploring historical natural collections, specimen displays and the stories objects from nature can tell.
Details
Most sessions last approximately 2 to 3 hours and include refreshments unless otherwise stated.
Please note that while some sessions are suitable for all ages, many activities are designed for older children and young people with an interest in nature, ecology, science and creativity, rather than very young children.
For younger children and families looking for storytelling and seasonal nature experiences, we also recommend Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories with Amanda Kane-Smith.