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.
APRIL - A powerful start with local schools
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 seedlings. 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 and on 5th June we returned to Knights Enham Juniors for the final time to pot up their young plants.
All sessions were led by Kanchi and volunteers from Andover Trees United including Wendy, Liz and Izzi. 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 all the schools for joining us and helping us grow a brighter future for nature.
JULY
Clatford Primary School Ends the School Year by Growing Wildflowers
What better way to celebrate the end of the school year than by getting outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and helping nature thrive?
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of spending the day with the fantastic pupils at Clatford Primary School, potting on native wildflowers as part of our ongoing Sow–Grow–Plant programme. The children enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves and learned how young wildflower seedlings are carefully transplanted into larger pots, giving them the space they need to grow strong and healthy before being planted out in the community.
These wildflowers will eventually become an important source of food and habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects, helping to increase biodiversity across our local green spaces.
The pupils were full of enthusiasm, curiosity and teamwork throughout the session, asking brilliant questions and taking great care with every plant. It was a wonderful way to round off the school year and celebrate everything they have achieved.
A huge thank you to everyone at Clatford Primary School for making us feel so welcome. Your energy and passion for nature made the day truly special, and we hope you all have a fantastic summer break.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Kanchi, Monika and Amy, whose support throughout the day helped make the session run so smoothly. Your time and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.
We can't wait to see these wildflowers continue to grow and, before long, become part of the beautiful habitats that support wildlife across our local landscape.
