Artist-led Riverside Walks with Nature Explorer Backpacks
(from L to R) By the Anton River, Andover, Alex Walker, Andover Trees United, Councillor Tracey Tasker (TVBC), Councillor Kirsty North (TVBC) , James Aldridge, Artist, Wendy Davis, (Founder), Andover Trees United with local children from Andover setting off on the first of a series of artist led riverside walks organised by Andover Trees United.
Living by the Ash Tree Waters
An Andover Trees United Project
Artist-led Riverside Walks with Nature Explorer Backpacks
On the fine weathered morning of Thursday, 21 April 2022, Andover Trees United and artist, James Aldridge were joined by local resident families for the first of a series of local environment exploration walks, to learn more about the River Anton, which is one of only 200 chalk streams in the world.
Everyone was able to test out the prototype nature explorers activity backpacks, designed by local school children together with artist, James Aldridge, specifically put together by Andover Trees United for this series of events and for the community to freely use thereafter.
Councilor Tracey Tasker and Councilor Kirsty North of TVBC, came along to again positively support Andover Trees United and the community in the launch of these ongoing events, made possible by a grant from Test Valley Borough Council, and thanks to funding from Watercress and Winterbourne Landscape Partnership Scheme and National Heritage Lottery Fund.
The series of events that includes, local riverside walks to learn more about our chalk streams and ash trees will continue until 17 July 2022. These are fun-filled as the inclusive learning materials put together in the “Nature Explorer” backpacks enable the children and all ages taking part to enjoy learning about local ecology, biodiversity and conservation along the way.
Councillor Tracey Tasker, (Romans Ward), Test Valley Borough Council said: “The work and projects organised by Andover Trees United always involve the wider community and schools, and we should be celebrating all the hard and important work that has taken place over the decade”.
Andover Trees United are holding a 10 year celebration gala evening on Friday, 6 May 2022 in Andover to fundraise for the appointment of a “community Outdoor Learning Officer” to provide more diverse and inclusive community arts, conservation and eco-events for all generations that rely on the support of our community to involve, inspire and inform for healthier communities.
Tickets, donations and sponsorship enquiries to: susan.risdale@andovertrees.org.uk
Dates for the continuing series of Living By The Ash Tree Waters events can be found by
visiting: https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/events-calendar and in the poster below.