TREE PLANTING
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COMMUNITY - CONNECTION - CONSERVATION

Why we engage with the community

We believe that connecting people, both children and adults, with the natural world creates understanding, fosters appreciation and encourages more responsible, sustainable behaviours.

Nature should be accessible to everyone - by widening participation and encouraging people from all backgrounds to engage with the natural environment, we create opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences. In particular, we are passionate about increasing young people’s involvement in nature-based activities, helping to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.

Community engagement also strengthens the places we live. When people connect through shared outdoor experiences, local areas become better places to live, work, and visit. Relationships between groups grow stronger, a deeper sense of belonging develops, and individuals experience improved wellbeing through time spent with nature.

Finally, we engage with the community because of the personal growth it inspires. Volunteers of all ages gain practical skills, grow in confidence, and often experience positive changes in attitudes and behaviours. Through enjoyable and rewarding experiences with nature, people not only contribute to the environment, they grow with it.

Climate change is a big topic and it can feel like an overwhelming one. We have some pathways in, that can really help you to feel like you can make a difference - because you can!

At Andover Trees we focus on the importance of planting native trees as a key strategy in combating the climate crisis.

Why Trees Matter in the Climate Crisis

Trees play a vital role in tackling climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, one of the main gases causing global warming, and store it safely.

Did you know - a single young tree can absorb around 11kg of carbon dioxide in its first year!

But trees do much more than capture carbon.

Trees Help Us and Nature

  • Clean the air by trapping harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen

  • Reduce flooding and soil erosion by slowing down and absorbing rainwater

  • Support wildlife by providing food and shelter

  • Improve soil health

  • Provide shade and shelter for crops and livestock

By planting more trees and increasing woodland cover, we can create landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better able to cope with climate change.

The UK’s Woodland Challenge

Woodland cover in the UK is currently around 13%, which is low compared to much of Europe.

To meet the UK’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Climate Change Committee has recommended increasing woodland cover to 19%.

This means planting and restoring trees on a much larger scale.

What needs to happen?

Reaching this goal will require action from:

  • Government

  • Businesses

  • Landowners

  • Local communities and individuals

Investing in tree planting and reforestation will not only help reduce carbon emissions, but also support sustainable land management, biodiversity, and green economic growth.

A Natural Climate Solution

Woods and trees are one of the simplest and most effective natural solutions to the climate crisis. By working together to plant and protect them, we can make a real difference for future generations.

Quick Tips - ways you can make a difference

    1. Tell your Member of Parliament, local councillors and city mayors that you think action on climate change is important.

    2. Find out who your MP is, and the best way to contact them - you could even attend one of their surgeries in your constituency. You can also find out who your local councillors are and how to contact them.

    3. Join a social movement or campaign that focuses on environmental activities or gets everyone talking about climate change action.

    1. Turn down the heat – 18°C is comfortable with an extra layer.

    2. Lower your boiler flow temperature – can save ~9% on gas bills.

    3. Use hot water wisely – efficient shower heads, fill the kettle only as needed, washing machine at 30° when full.

    4. Cook smarter – use lids on pans, slow cookers, air fryers, or microwaves instead of ovens or barbecues.

    5. Switch off & upgrade – turn off unused lights/appliances, use LED bulbs.

    6. Insulate your home – walls, floors, lofts, windows, and doors. Renters? Ask your landlord for improvements.

    7. Go green – switch to a renewable energy tariff and use a smart meter to track and save on energy use.

    1. Walk or cycle – great for your health and your wallet.

    2. Use public transport or car-share – reduce emissions and save money.

    3. Consider an e-bike – perfect for medium-distance trips.

    4. Switch to electric – EVs save fuel and cut pollution; short-term hire is available.

    5. Drive smart – turn off the engine when parked, keep tyres inflated, maintain oxygen sensors, and drive smoothly.

    1. Eat less meat and dairy – especially beef and lamb.

    2. Try plant-based protein – pulses like beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

    3. Swap dairy for alternatives – plant-based milks and yoghurts.

    4. Choose seasonal, local produce – reduces transport and energy use.

    1. Use video calls for work instead of flying.

    2. Choose trains or electric cars for domestic and regional trips.

    3. Offset carbon if flying is unavoidable.

    4. Travel closer to home for leisure.

    5. Fly economy – business class has a much larger carbon footprint.

    1. Spend time in parks, gardens, woodlands, and nature reserves.

    2. Create your own green space: balcony plants or keep your garden grass.

    3. Volunteer to protect local green areas like community gardens or ponds.

    4. Plant trees to support wildlife and improve air quality.

    1. Ask your bank, building society, or pension provider where your money is invested.

    2. Avoid fossil fuel investments and choose sustainable or ethical options.

    3. Explore campaigns like Make My Money Matter and The Switch.

    4. Consider opening accounts with ethical banks.

    1. Buy only what you need and value your belongings.

    2. Repair, reuse, upcycle, or buy second-hand.

    3. Choose durable, eco-friendly brands and avoid greenwashing.

    4. Minimise single-use items and packaging.

    5. Plan meals to reduce food waste and compost organic leftovers.

    6. Sort waste correctly and advocate for better recycling facilities.

    1. Share your positive actions with friends, family, or colleagues.

    2. Encourage others by showing what’s possible and normalising sustainable choices.

    3. Be honest about successes and challenges — every effort counts.

    4. Acknowledge feelings of worry, guilt, or overwhelm, and use them to motivate action.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED