Andover Trees United’s annual Peace Day procession unites four local schools
Children from four Andover schools came together at Harmony Woods for Andover Trees United’s annual procession marking the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Pupils and Students from Abbotts Ann Primary School, Harrow Way Community School, Endeavour Primary School and Knights Enham Juniors took part.
The procession has become an established part of Andover Trees United’s work with local schools. Building on previous years, it gave young people an opportunity to share messages of peace and consider how respect for one another connects with caring for the natural world.
The children were joined by Hampshire County Councillor David Drew, Councillor Iris Andersen, Deputy Mayor of Test Valley, and a representative from The National Lottery. They saw first-hand how Harmony Woods gives young people a voice and creates lasting connections with nature.
The procession was inspired by the Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots programme, which empowers young people to take practical action for people, animals and the environment.
Wendy Davis, founder of Andover Trees United, said:
“Our Peace Day procession is always a special moment in the year, and it was wonderful to see so many children from schools across Andover mark Peace Day at Harmony Woods.
“Each year, the children remind us that peace begins with how we treat one another and the world around us. Dr Jane Goodall inspired generations of young people to believe that they could make a difference. This is the first Peace Day that we have celebrated without her. She is sorely missed but her legacy lives on through children who take practical action for their communities and the natural world.
“We were also delighted to welcome Councillor David Drew, Deputy Mayor Councillor Iris Andersen and a representative from The National Lottery, showing the children that their voices and actions matter.”
“ I’d like to personally thank representatives from Hildon Water and Abel & Cole for joining us and for providing refreshments and continued support, and our volunteers, whose hard work and dedication helped make today and every day at Andover Trees possible “
Jasmina Georgovska, Director of Outreach at the Jane Goodall Institute UK, said:
“Peace Day holds a very special place in the Roots & Shoots community. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall reminded us that peace is built on compassion and respect for one another, animals, and the natural world.
Having worked with Wendy and Andover Trees United for many years, it is wonderful to see these shared values continue to come to life at Harmony Woods. Bringing young people together to connect with nature, their communities and each other reflects the spirit Jane inspired through Roots & Shoots, and one we are proud to see carried forward by a new generation.”
Harmony Woods has been created with the direct involvement of local schools and the wider Andover community. Over the past decade, over 10,000 trees have been planted by schoolchildren, creating an outdoor learning space where young people can explore biodiversity, build confidence and learn how to protect the environment.
The annual procession forms part of Andover Trees United’s wider work to inspire a generation of environmental stewards and demonstrate how community woodland can support education, wellbeing and stronger local connections.
Want to help more young people connect with nature? Become an Andover Trees United member, or sign up to our newsletter for news of upcoming woodland activities.