Volunteer Spotlight
Celebrating the people who help Andover Trees United grow
At Andover Trees United, the magic doesn’t come from the trees alone, it comes from the people who care for them. Our volunteers are the hands, hearts and voices behind everything we do. Some have been with us since the earliest saplings were planted; others joined just recently and have already become part of the family. Every single one of them brings something unique.
They turn up in the rain. They share skills, stories, laughter and cups of tea. They help children plant trees and discover the wonder of nature. They shape our events, plant our meadows, tend our paths, and bring Harmony Woods to life season after season. ATU simply wouldn’t be ATU without them.
So, as we approach the end of the year, we’re proud to launch our 2026 Volunteer Spotlight Series - a monthly look into the lives, motivations and experiences of the people who make Andover Trees what it is. This series is both a celebration and an invitation: a way to recognise those who give so much, and to inspire others who might be wondering what it’s like to get involved.
From Intern to Trustee: A Conversation with Alex Marshall on Nature, Community and Finding a Path
At Andover Trees United, we often say nature can change lives and sometimes those changes grow in ways you could never predict.
For Alex Marshall, what began as an internship after university became the start of a lifelong journey in conservation. Today, Alex is Citizen Science Officer at Woodland Trust and also serves as a trustee of Andover Trees United. This is a wonderful full-circle story of how volunteering and grassroots action can shape futures, build careers and inspire leadership.
We spoke to Alex about what internships can unlock, why local conservation matters, and how one opportunity can grow into a lasting legacy.
What first drew you to Andover Trees and inspired you to become an intern with us?
I was inspired by the work and passion of Andover Trees, especially the value placed on young people and on nature, and how much had been achieved by an entirely volunteer-led team. I had recently graduated from university, so when I was offered an opportunity to carry out an internship I jumped at the chance, and it was invaluable in allowing me to put my skills and knowledge into practice.
What did a typical day look like during your time at Andover Trees?
No day was the same, I could be working in the field recording wildlife, planning or helping at community tree planting events, leading guided walks or school sessions, creating content for social media, writing funding bids and everything in between!
What’s one experience or moment from your internship that has really stayed with you?
Creating the Nature in Harmony Exchange Project, which was a Roots&Shoots affiliated youth group - teaching young people about trees and ecology, and taking them on an adventure of a lifetime to volunteer in the Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.
What skills or knowledge did you gain during your time with us?
How to plan, organise and deliver projects, how to support volunteers, and how to network with likeminded individuals.
How did your internship influence your career path?
My internship put me in touch with trees and plants. I hadn’t considered working in woodland conservation beforehand, but I quickly fell in love with the environment and the power that trees have to unite both communities and ecosystems.
Can you tell us about your current role at the Woodland Trust and what it involves?
I’m the Citizen Science Officer responsible for a project called Nature’s Calendar. Nature’s Calendar is a citizen science project all about recording the timings of the changing seasons, anyone in the UK can take part. In my work I support volunteers to record, I communicate our findings and maintain our 300 year old database.
Do you see connections between what you learned at Andover Trees and what you do now?
Yes, both roles involved connecting people to nature, communicating science, studying the data, and inspiring others to make a difference. Andover Trees gives a local grass-roots point of view, whereas the Woodland Trust provides a national perspective. Both are valuable in different ways.
What would you say to someone considering an internship with Andover Trees?
It is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck into a wide range of projects and to really leave a legacy and make a difference.
Why do you think local organisations like Andover Trees are important for conservation?
Local organisations know their community better than anyone. The people running them live in the same town as the people they are working with. With strong networks, friendships and trust comes great teamwork and an understanding of what is most needed in an area, and therefore I think really meaningful results can come from organisations that work together at a local scale.
What does nature mean to you now, both personally and professionally?
Put simply, nature means everything to me.
Alex’s story is a powerful reminder of what can grow from volunteering — not just skills and careers, but confidence, leadership and lasting commitment to the natural world.
For us, it also reflects something deeper: when local organisations invest in young people, remarkable things can happen. Futures are shaped, communities strengthened and new custodians of nature emerge. From intern to trustee, Alex’s journey is something we are incredibly proud to celebrate.
Here’s Alex at our cabin opening back in 2023. Thanks Alex for being and continuing to be a driving force of Andover Trees.
Shine a Spotlight On.. Abbey Sadler!
To begin, we’re starting with someone who sees the volunteer community from every angle: Abbey Sadler, ATU’s Community Engagement Officer. Abbey is often the first friendly face welcoming new volunteers, the person cheering people on behind the scenes, and the steady thread connecting so many parts of our work. She understands more than anyone how vital volunteers are and how transformative their contributions can be. Here’s Abbey’s story.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Abbey Sadler, Community Engagement Officer, Andover Trees United
Abbey, how did you first become involved with Andover Trees United?
As an ecologist (though marine-based!), I’ve always been passionate about community-building and projects that connect people with nature. When the opportunity came up to join ATU as Nature and Community Officer, it felt like the perfect fit. I was drawn to the organisation’s vision, the energy of the team, and the real sense of purpose behind everything ATU does — especially at such a local level.
What does your role as Community Engagement Officer look like day to day?
As Community Engagement Officer, my work revolves around supporting volunteers and helping make their experience positive, meaningful, and well-organised. This includes recruiting new volunteers, keeping in touch with our current team, coordinating activities and events, ensuring everyone has what they need, and strengthening the sense of community within the group.
What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Honestly, the people. Every volunteer brings their own personality, skills, and generosity, and it’s inspiring to see how much they care. It’s a privilege to watch connections form, confidence grow, and ideas spark when people come together.
Has anything about working with ATU’s volunteers surprised you?
I’ve been genuinely moved by how willing people are to give their time, energy, and heart to ATU. The depth of commitment — even from people who are incredibly busy — has been such a positive surprise. There’s also a huge variety of backgrounds and motivations, which keeps things vibrant.
Why do you think volunteering with ATU matters to the wider community?
ATU isn’t just about trees; it’s about belonging. Volunteering here helps create spaces where people connect with nature, learn new skills, support local biodiversity, and strengthen community ties. Nature is essential for our future, and the ripple effect of volunteering extends far beyond Harmony Woods.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time with ATU so far?
One of the most memorable moments is seeing a project like a tree planting with schools or the wildflower project come to fruition — from the planning stage to watching the area flourish. Seeing the tangible results of everyone’s efforts, and how the landscape transforms, is incredibly rewarding.
What’s something you’ve learned through this role that you didn’t expect?
I’ve learned just how transformative small acts can be. A few hours of someone’s time — even something that feels simple — can make a lasting impact on both the project and the person themselves.
What is your personal connection to nature?
Nature has always been a grounding place for me — a space to recharge, think clearly, and feel connected to something bigger. Working with ATU has strengthened that relationship, and it’s reminded me that protecting and engaging with nature is essential for our collective future.
Do you have a favourite spot in Harmony Woods or a programme you especially enjoy?
I particularly love our youth programmes and seeing young people engage with the outdoors. Harmony Woods is stunning in full bloom, with all the trees and flowers creating a vibrant, ever-changing landscape. I love watching how it shifts through the seasons — from