High Sheriff of Hampshire Visits Andover Trees United at Harmony Woods to Congratulate Volunteers on King’s Award for Voluntary Service

On the morning of Saturday 26th July, Andover Trees United was honoured to welcome the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Susan Elton, to Harmony Woods (part of Andover’s Diamond Wood, planting of which began in 2012 to commemorate the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee), in celebration of the charity's recent recognition with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The visit, requested by the High Sheriff following the award presentation last year, was arranged to acknowledge and thank the charity’s volunteers, partners, and team members who continue to support Andover Trees United’s vital environmental and community work.

The morning began with a warm welcome at Harmony Woods, where the High Sheriff was introduced to a gathering of volunteers of all ages, supporters and local project partners. The group then embarked on a short guided walk through the woodland, highlighting significant community planting efforts. Notable stops included the Elm and Elder groves planted earlier this year by local Plant-for-the-Planet Climate Justice Ambassadors, as well as the Scots Pine, planted by teenage participants of the Nature in Harmony Exchange Project.

Upon returning to the Cabin, guests were treated to light refreshments, including an array of delicious cakes and cookies prepared by long-standing volunteer Amy Ingram. The visit concluded with a heartfelt speech from the High Sheriff, during which she praised the dedication and collective spirit of all involved with Andover Trees United.

Trustee and Founder of Andover Trees United, Wendy Davis, commented:
"It was an absolute privilege to host the High Sheriff and to share the achievements of our community. Receiving the King’s Award was a proud moment for us all, and this visit gave us the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together over the years."

The visit marks another memorable chapter in the charity’s ongoing mission to connect people with nature, nurture an understanding of how to live our lives in harmony with nature and create a lasting environmental legacy for future generations in and around Andover.