Andover Trees United Celebrates UN International Day of Peace with Procession and Tree Planting at Harmony Wood

Andover, Hampshire – Andover Trees United (ATU) marked the UN International Day of Peace with a heartfelt celebration at Harmony Wood on 19 September 2025 — held a couple of days early so local school children could take part.

The event featured a symbolic procession through the woodland, with ATU’s famous giant peace doves and joined by students, teachers, volunteers, and local representatives. Leading the procession was the Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Gordon Bailey, accompanied by his dog Max. The event was an initiative championed by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots part of the Jane Goodall Institute UK.

The procession concluded in the Meadow at the heart of Harmony Wood, where representatives from Endeavour, Portway, Abbotts Ann, Knights Enham, Harrow Way, Vernham Dean and Vigo schools each read a prayer for peace. Mayor Bailey then delivered a powerful speech about the importance of peace in our communities before planting a commemorative Oak tree with the children — a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope.

Participants then decorated wooden shards with personal messages of peace and placed them around the Oak tree. Handcrafted peace doves were hung in the trees throughout Harmony Wood, filling the woodland with symbols of harmony.

The day concluded with refreshments, cake, and a light lunch provided by ATU volunteers, bringing together multiple generations in a shared commitment to a more peaceful future.

“This event is about more than just one day – it’s about inspiring a generation to see peace as something they can create in their everyday lives,” said Wendy Davis Founder at ATU. “Planting the Oak tree with the children felt incredibly symbolic. It will grow alongside them, reminding us all that peace must be nurtured if it is to thrive.”

Organisers thanked everyone who contributed, including local councillors Cllr Jason Sangster, Cllr David Drew, Cllr Kirsty North, corporate partners Stannah and Co-Op, teachers and students, and the dedicated ATU volunteers who helped make the celebration a success.

With the newly planted Oak tree and the decorated wood shards standing proudly in Harmony Wood, the message of peace will continue to inspire future visitors: peace begins with us.