Disappearing Wildflowers April to October: Inspiring the Next Generation to Take Root - Andover Schools Join In!
This Blog is updated monthly to track the Disappearing Wildflowers Project with local Schools.
April marked the beginning of our Disappearing Wildflowers campaign in schools and what a powerful start it has been. From the first seeds sown to the smiles, and love of nature we’ve seen from pupils, it’s clear this work is already making an impact.
But this campaign is about something much bigger. Across the UK, wildflowers are disappearing at an alarming rate. With them, we are losing essential habitats for pollinators, birds and countless other species. These aren’t just plants; they are the foundation of thriving ecosystems and a defining part of our countryside. Their decline is a quiet but significant warning.
At Andover Trees United, we believe education and action must go hand in hand.
A powerful start with local schools
APRIL
We kicked off our campaign on 13th April with pupils from Knights Enham Junior School. Despite the rain, the children embraced the experience wholeheartedly, getting hands-on with nature and sowing Oxeye Daisy seeds - one of our “six trees and six flowers” focus species. Led by Abbey, it was a brilliant introduction to the campaign, and the pupils did brilliantly learning new skills and excited at seeing these wildflowers across Andover!
Just two days later, on the 15th April, we welcomed Year 3 from Clatford Primary School for our second session. This time, the children sowed Oxeye Daisy alongside bird’s-foot trefoil, another vital native wildflower. The sense of pride on their faces said everything. We were so proud of all the pupils! Their smiles show that incredible sense of achievement. It’s also heart warming to us to see the living classroom we have created.
MAY
On the 5th & 6th May, children from Knights Enham took the seeds they sowed earlier in the year and pricked them out into bigger soil filled cells. Kanchi, Izzy Campbell, Anue Lowing and Carol French helped the children, observing their wonderful intrigue in the project and nature around them. The outcome? Amazingly intact delicate flowers all in new cells ready to grow more! A big thank you to all of the pupils and volunteers!
JUNE
On the 2nd June, we welcomed pupils from Portway. As with other schools, we did the same exercise - pricking out the seeds. The pupils showed such enthusiasm for what Andover was doing in bringing back wildflowers! The part they are playing is very clear and greatly appreciated by all. A big thank you to our Kanchi and our volunteers Carol French and Simome Ingam.
On the 3rd June, we welcomed pupils from Vigo Primary School to our allotment as part of our Disappearing Wildflowers campaign.
The children got hands-on with pricking out young wildflower seedlings, carefully transplanting them to give them the space they need to grow strong and healthy before being planted out into the community later this year. The session was led by Kanchi, Wendy and Abbey from Andover Trees United, with fantastic support from our wonderful volunteers, Liz and Izzy. Together, they helped the children learn about the importance of wildflowers, pollinators and how small actions can make a big difference for nature. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, teamwork and care as the children rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. Every seedling nurtured today is another step towards creating more habitats for bees, butterflies and other wildlife across our local area. A huge thank you to Vigo Primary School for joining us and helping us grow a brighter future for nature.
Why this matters
When children are given the chance to step outside, get their hands in the soil and learn the names and purpose of native wildflowers, something important happens. They begin to form a connection with nature.
And that connection is where care begins. By involving young people in practical conservation, we are not only helping to restore habitats today, but also shaping how nature is valued tomorrow. These early experiences build understanding, responsibility and, importantly, hope. We’ve seen children come back years later to see the tree they planted. We hope these children take pride when they see Andover full of wildflowers in the next few years.
Because while the statistics around disappearing wildflowers are stark, this campaign is rooted in optimism. Every seed sown is a step towards recovery. Every child involved is a future advocate for the natural world.
Just the beginning
This is only the start. We have many more school sessions planned in the weeks ahead, and we’ll report back soon!
At its heart, the Disappearing Wildflowers campaign reflects everything we stand for at Andover Trees United - educating, inspiring and creating meaningful opportunities for people, especially young people, to connect with nature.
Small actions, like sowing seeds, can grow into something incredibly important. Thanks to all of the teachers and pupils for a brilliant kick off to our schools campaign!