At Andover Trees United, everything we achieve is powered by volunteers. From planting trees and growing wildflowers to supporting community events and helping young people connect with nature and have a space where their voice is heard. Our work simply would not happen without the time, care and energy of people who want to make a difference.

If you have ever thought about getting involved, now is a wonderful time to join us.

We have a range of upcoming projects and events where we would love extra helping hands. Whether you enjoy being outdoors, helping at events, supporting young people, contributing behind the scenes, or serving cups of tea and coffee, there is a role for everyone. Take a read below of why volunteering matters, check out some of our key initiatives and how you can can get involved.

Why volunteering matters

Andover Trees United was founded with a mission to enrich, engage, empower and explore nature within our community. Volunteers help us grow and protect habitats like the Diamond Wood, support young people learning about and advocating for nature, run community events that connect people to the natural world, and expand projects that help wildlife and pollinators thrive.

When you volunteer, you are not just giving time. You are helping grow something lasting for the whole community. Volunteering also brings people together. Many of our volunteers tell us they have gained new skills, met wonderful people and found real joy in helping their local community and green spaces thrive.

Ways you can volunteer

There are many different ways to get involved, depending on what interests you.

Into the Woods - If you enjoy fresh air and practical activity, you could join our Conservation Crew, helping with planting, habitat care and rewilding projects. Volunteers can also assist with wildlife monitoring as part of our Nature in Harmony surveys, helping record biodiversity in Diamond Wood between April and September or help out at events and activities.

Warm Inside - Help make community events run smoothly! Volunteers set up event areas,assist participants during activities and keep the refreshments flowing.

Backstage and Beyond - Some volunteers support the charity in practical ways such as administration, communications, poster distribution, talks and presentations, website updates, promotional stalls or creative activities that help raise awareness of our work.

Leadership Opportunities - We are also looking for Management Team members and Trustees who can help guide the future direction of Andover Trees United and ensure our projects continue to grow and benefit the community.

Young Volunteers - Opportunities for young people to get involved, learn new skills, and build confidence through conservation, citizen science and hands-on environmental activities.

Upcoming opportunities where we need help

We have several exciting activities coming up where volunteers are especially needed. If any of these are of interest to you, please contact Abbey Sadler - abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk

1.Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories Family Events

During School Holidays, we run a number of these events to bring families together. Designed for children aged 4+, the events involve interactive storytelling and crafts related to the season and nature. We are always looking for volunteers to help set up activities, welcome families, serve refreshments and support the sessions.

Key Dates: The events will take place on the 30th March, 6th April, 28th May and several more over the school holidays.

2. Disappearing Wildflowers

Support our rewilding and habitat restoration initiative with the community and local schools at the Diamond Wood and our allotment site on Vigo Road. Volunteers will help with sow, grow, plant by supporting seed sowing, nurturing plants and assisting with planting sessions.

Key dates:

Home Planting Kits are available for collection Wednesday 8th April (10 till 12) from Augusta Park Community Centre
Wildflower in the Community - Friday 10th April - Seed sowing with Willow Court
Wildflowers in Schools - Monday 13th April - Seed sowing with Knights Enham
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 15th April - Seed sowing with Clatford
Wildflowers in Schools - Friday 17th April - Seed sowing with Portway
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 29th April - Seed sowing with Vigo
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 6th May - Seed pricking out with Clatford
May's Community Conservation Day - Saturday 9th May - at our allotment on Vigo Road - Seed Sowing/Pricking Out
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 13th May - Seed pricking out with Vigo
Wildflower in the Community - Friday 29th May - Seed pricking out with Willow Court
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 3rd June - Potting on with Vigo
Wildflowers in Schools - Friday 5th June - Potting on with Knights Enham
June's Community Conservation Day - Saturday 13th June - at our allotment on Vigo Road - Pricking Out/Potting On
Wildflower in the Community - Friday 10th July - Potting on with Willow Court
July's Community Conservation Day - Saturday 11th July - at our allotment on Vigo Road - Potting On
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 15th July - Potting on with Vigo
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 22nd July - Potting on with Clatford
Wildflowers in Schools - Wednesday 7th October - Wildflower planting with Clatford
October's Community Conservation Day - Saturday 10th October - at the Diamond Wood - Planting Out in the New Meadow
Wildflowers in Schools - Monday 19th October - Wildflower planting with Vigo
Flower Power Installation in the Summer - Andover Town Centre - Well run workshops, storytelling, etc.

We'll need Volunteers for:

Wildflowers in Schools - help with sow, grow, plant initiatives in schools and the allotment/diamond wood
Watering Rota - help our wildflowers thrive daily between April and October at the allotment & installation.
Enham Easter in the Orchard - 2nd April - 2 or 3 people needed - Talking to people, seed sowing and paper pot making
Wildflowers in the Community - Help Willow Court with Sow, Grow, Plant - 10th April, 29th May, 10th July - help care home residents plant up wildflowers - 3 or 4 people

3.Youth Club Support

Our youth nature club runs on the second Saturday of every month. Volunteers are needed to help support and inspire young people learning about wildlife, ecology and citizen science.

Key dates: 10 till 11:30 on the second Saturday of every month. Parents can join in too! Support our regular monthly workday while your children enjoy the club.

4. Community Events

We’re proud to be out and about in the woods and at community events across Andover and Hampshire. We need volunteers to help represent Andover Trees.

Key dates:

Earth Day - 22nd April - from 1pm - 5 people are needed.
Royal College of General Practise Volunteer Day - 2nd May. 5 to 10 people are needed to help with setup, event support, refreshments and lunch.

5. Admin and Community Support

We are also looking for help with membership administration, poster and leaflet distribution and communications support. These flexible roles make a huge difference in helping our projects grow.

Join us

Volunteering at Andover Trees is about community, nature and shared purpose. You do not need experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference. If you would like to get involved or find out more, please contact Abbey Sadler - abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk

Let us know how you would like to help or which of the opportunities interest you.

Together we can continue to grow nature, support wildlife and create meaningful experiences for our community.

Volunteers Needed: Help Grow Nature and Community at Andover Trees