Community Invited to Help Shape the Next Five Years of Andover Trees United

Andover Trees United is inviting volunteers, supporters, partners, schools, businesses and members of the wider community to help shape the future of one of Hampshire's leading community environmental charities at a special Community Consultation Conference on Saturday 11th July.

The one-day event marks the third major community consultation in the charity's history, following successful consultations in 2016 and 2020 that have guided the organisation's growth over the past decade.

Since its original vision of bringing young people and the wider community together to create a living resource for learning about the natural world, Andover Trees United has become a recognised example of how community action can deliver lasting environmental and social change.

Working alongside hundreds of volunteers, local schools, businesses and partner organisations, the charity has planted thousands of native trees, created and restored valuable habitats, expanded opportunities for outdoor education, strengthened biodiversity and connected people of all ages with nature through practical conservation, learning and wellbeing activities.

However, rather than developing its next strategic plan behind closed doors, the charity is once again placing the community at the heart of the decision-making process.

The Community Consultation Conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last five years while collectively deciding where Andover Trees United should focus its energy, resources and ambitions over the next phase of its development.

Unlike a traditional conference, attendees will not be presented with a completed strategy.

Instead, participants will work together throughout the day to explore opportunities, identify challenges and develop practical priorities that will shape the charity's direction for years to come.

The event reflects one of Andover Trees United's founding principles—that the organisation belongs to its community and is strongest when local people actively help shape its future.

A central theme of the day will be moving beyond asking:

"What would we like to see happen?"

to asking the more important question:

"What can we achieve together?"

The conference will once again be facilitated by Charles O'Malley, founder of C3 Labs and a highly respected facilitator, leadership and strategy adviser specialising in collaboration, environmental change and organisational development. Charles has worked internationally with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on climate, nature and development initiatives and previously facilitated Andover Trees United's first two community consultations.

The charity hopes the event will not only establish priorities for the next five years but also strengthen partnerships, inspire new collaborations and encourage more people to become involved in protecting nature while improving opportunities for local communities.

The conference is open to everyone who has supported Andover Trees United over the years—as well as those interested in becoming part of its future. Volunteers, educators, businesses, environmental organisations, community groups, local residents and anyone passionate about nature, education or community action are warmly encouraged to attend.

Event Details

Community Consultation Conference

Date: Saturday 11th July

Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm

Venue: To be confirmed

Refreshments and lunch: Provided

Attendance is free, but registration is requested to help with planning and catering.

To register your interest or reserve a place, visit:

https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/events-list/julycommunitconference

Further information, including the venue and programme, will be shared with registered attendees.