Schools' Tree Planting Programme - Week 3 - The Finale!
As we stepped into Week 3, the final week of this year’s Schools’ Tree Planting Programme at Bury Hill Meadows, there was a real sense of achievement in the air.
By the end of Week 2, our young planters had already helped us add 1000 trees to the landscape! The site was beginning to noticeably transform: rows of young saplings taking shape across the meadow, each planted with care by small hands determined to make a big difference.
This momentum from the last couple of weeks carried us into our final week with energy, purpose, and deep pride in what the children of Andover had already accomplished.
But this programme is about so much more than the numbers, though they are impressive. Every session brings moments of connection, discovery and teamwork. Children learn how trees support ecosystems, how roots stabilise soil, how woodlands help combat climate change, and how nature restores wellbeing. They learn that they have the power to create something lasting. Each tree planted becomes a memory, a skill, and a seed of stewardship for the environment.
For many pupils, this programme is their first real hands-on experience of environmental action. For others, it’s become a highlight of their school year, a chance to build confidence, learn practical skills, and see their contribution immediately take shape in the landscape. And for the volunteers and partners who support us, it’s a reminder of the incredible things communities can achieve when they come together.
With the finish line in sight, Week 3 brought even more enthusiasm, resilience and joy. In total, we planted over 1500 trees! Take a read below of the final week and our total numbers across the last three weeks!
Here’s what we achieved in our final week:
Day 1 - The Mayor, The Reporter & Trees!
Year 4 pupils from Balksbury Juniors kicked off the week with brilliant focus and enthusiasm, planting 115 trees and capturing an estimated 1,265kg of CO₂ over their lifetime. Supported by Jane from Simplyhealth UK, the ATU Monday Team, and students from Harrow Way, the children planted with passion, teamwork and pride. In the afternoon, St John the Baptist CE Primary Year 4 added another 70 trees to the meadow, supported once again by Jane from Simplyhealth and Carol from ATU. The children were full of energy and kindness, showing what teamwork, curiosity and determination can achieve.
A special guest! We were honoured to be joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Gordon Bailey MBE. It was the Mayor’s first ever visit to Bury Hill Meadows. He warmly welcomed the children, who were thrilled to meet him. He spent time speaking with pupils, celebrating their achievements, and was truly in awe of what has been created here.
We were also delighted to welcome Dan from the Andover Advertiser, who joined us to report on the Mayor’s visit - and even planted his first ever tree! Dan was beaming, knowing he had played a small but meaningful part in the woodland’s future. Monday totals:
185 trees planted
2,035kg CO₂ captured
Day 2 - Milder Weather & Big Digs!
Tuesday was slightly milder (thankfully!) but the ground was still tough and icy-cold. This meant extra effort and determination from the fantastic Year 4 pupils of Knights Enham Schools. Their resilience was incredible, and with Abbey on hand sharing her expert planting tips, everyone mastered the technique: dig out a full spade’s depth of earth, place the sapling carefully, firm the soil back, and finish with a ring of mulch to mark its new home. A big thanks to our volunteers Cecil from Anton Rotary Club, Doreen from Andover Trees United and members of the John Hanson Community School Bereavement Group. Tuesday totals:
33 new trees
That’s 330kg of CO₂ potentially absorbed over the trees’ lifetimes.
Day 3 - Another cold day on Bury Hill…
But absolutely full of smiles! The children’s eagerness to learn and excitement about what they’re doing for Andover shone through from start to finish.
On Wednesday morning we were joined by Knights Enham Infants (Year 2) who planted an incredible 75 trees! A huge thank you to Lloyds Banking Group and Stephen and Doreen from ATU for supporting them. In the afternoon, Wherwell Primary School, Year 4, joined us and planted 34 trees, adding 374kg CO₂ to the tally. Not only did they plant brilliantly, but they became our Mulching Heroes - mulching every single tree that was waiting once the delivery arrived. Absolute stars! Our thanks to Lloyds Banking Group, and to Geoff and Gary from The Anton Rotary Club along with Doreen from ATU, for their help and enthusiasm. Wednesday totals:
109 trees planted
1,199kg CO₂
Day 4 - Our Final Day!
On Thursday 27th November, we wrapped up our Schools’ Tree Planting Programme with a truly special session at Bury Hill Meadows, and what a way to finish! In the morning we had the wonderful pupils from Wolverdene. With steady teamwork, big enthusiasm and the support of their brilliant teachers, a team from Bluebird Care, and Liz and Elizabeth from ATU, the children planted 10 trees, capturing an estimated 110kg of CO₂ in their first year. A perfect final flourish to an incredible three weeks. After the last tree was planted, our amazing volunteer team pulled together one final time. A heartfelt thank you to Liz, Carol, Elizabeth, Doreen, Hebe, Sam, Simone and Brian for packing up the Land Rover, loading every last spade, stake and mulch bag, and returning all the kit to Harmony Woods.
This behind-the-scenes work is what makes this programme possible and we appreciate you more than words can say.
GRAND TOTALS FOR 2025
After three weeks of hard work, frosty mornings, muddy boots and hundreds of joyful young faces…
1,537 trees planted
16,907kg of CO₂ captured in their first year
That's the equivalent of:
Driving over 61,000 miles
Powering more than 150 homes for a month
A Final Thank You
To every school, teacher, volunteer, sponsor, parent, and young person who joined us, thank you. You’ve helped grow the future of Andover. You’ve helped restore biodiversity.
You’ve helped create spaces for nature, learning and community. And you’ve proven what can happen when a whole town comes together with heart and purpose.
Here’s to the trees we planted, the memories made, and the woodland that will grow because of you.
As always, thanks to Test Valley Borough Council and The Woodland Trust
See you next winter.