Junior Members get in free as Tree Ents & Skylarks returns this October
Young people aged 12–15 are being invited to swap screens for woodland, wildlife and hands-on discovery as Tree Ents & Skylarks returns to The Diamond Wood this October.
Led by ecology graduate and Andover Trees United intern Kanchi Mehta, better known as “Bug Girl”, the club gives young people the chance to explore nature for themselves, investigate wildlife and develop practical conservation skills in the outdoors.
The next session takes place on Saturday 10th October 2026, from 10:00am–12:30pm at The Diamond Wood, Andover.
Become a Risk Detective
This month, Tree Ents & Skylarks will become “Risk Detectives”, exploring the woodland and learning how to identify and understand risks in a natural environment.
It is all part of the club’s approach to learning by doing. Rather than sitting in a classroom, young people are encouraged to investigate, ask questions, make discoveries and develop their own understanding of the wildlife and habitats around them.
Kanchi said:
“There is so much happening in the woods that you only notice when you stop, look closely and start asking questions.
“Tree Ents & Skylarks is about giving young people the freedom to explore, discover wildlife for themselves and learn real skills along the way. You don’t need to already know lots about nature, you just need to be curious and willing to get stuck in.”
Real skills in a real woodland
Sessions combine ecology, wildlife discovery, practical conservation and outdoor learning, while also giving participants the opportunity to work towards the RFS Junior Forester Award.
The award helps young people develop practical knowledge of trees, woodland management and conservation while building confidence outdoors.
For Andover Trees United founder Wendy Davis, the club is also about helping young people build a lasting connection with the natural world.
“We want young people to feel that The Diamond Wood is somewhere they can explore, learn and take responsibility for nature.
“Tree Ents & Skylarks gives them the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and understand the wildlife and habitats around them in a much more meaningful way than simply learning about them in a classroom.”
Come and join us
Tree Ents & Skylarks is aimed primarily at 12–15-year-olds, with keen 11-year-olds also considered.
Saturday 10th October 2026
10:00am–12:30pm
The Diamond Wood, Andover
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Junior ATU members are free, making membership particularly good value.
Become a Member: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/membership-2ndary-nav
Register: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/events-list/2026/10/10/tree-ents-nature-club-octobers-session