Meet our Trustees - Liz

Liz in the hazel circle at Harmony Woods

Andover Trees United  is supported by a wonderful and vital team of Trustees who play a key role in ensuring the organisation continues to develop and stays focused on its mission and priorities. 

 Liz is a chartered accountant who moved to Andover in 1987. She set up an accountancy practice which she continued to manage until retirement at the end of 2020 and she had lots of experience as an independent examiner for several local charities.

Why do you volunteer for Andover Trees United?

I started to volunteer as a supporter of action on climate change. I saw my participation as an opportunity to encourage people to take steps to protect the environment. I continue to volunteer for the same reason and because I enjoy the social aspect of working alongside others with similar interests.

I was already a member of the Transition Town Andover group which supported the setting up of Andover Trees United and have been involved from the initial tree planting by Princess Anne in a very muddy field back in 2012. My involvement grew when I took on the role of treasurer and became a trustee in 2016. Being a trustee is a challenging but hugely rewarding process. It’s fantastic seeing decisions and actions taken by the board being carried forward.

What's the most enjoyable thing you've done while volunteering?

There are many interesting aspects to the project; as someone who likes to be outdoors and enjoys gardening I particularly like to get involved in the workdays at the woodland and the allotment.

I also enjoy the craft days and getting involved with the wildlife surveying. I guess my least enjoyable thing to do is planting on very, VERY wet and cold planting days.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

I would definitely recommend getting involved to anyone who enjoys being outdoors, wants to make new friends, or wants to do something to reduce the impact of climate change.

I would recommend being a trustee to anyone who has the experience and time to steer an organisation forward and make a real impact on the local environment for future generations.

I am very proud to be part of a charity that does so much good in the community. Seeing the amazing work the volunteers do for the benefit of the people and planet is so inspiring and I am very pleased to be part of it! 

Are you inspired by Liz’s story? We are looking for new Trustees especially people with a background in fundraising and healthcare/social prescribing.

Please get in touch volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk