Local Schools and Volunteers Join Forces for Tree Planting Success at Bury Hill Meadows

 

In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental commitment, nearly 1,000 children from 22 local schools participated in this year’s Schools’ Tree Planting Weeks at Bury Hill Meadows. The annual event, organised in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council, saw students, teachers, and volunteers braving all weather to plant 1,500 trees over the course of three weeks.

From November 11 to November 29, children from schools across Andover and nearby villages worked alongside a dedicated team of 140 volunteers from the community and local businesses. The initiative marked its 3rd year with the addition of a new buffer belt of shrubby trees—including hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, dog rose, guelder rose, field maple, and spindle—interspersed with majestic oaks.

“This year’s efforts have been phenomenal,” said a representative from the organising team. “We are so proud of the children and grateful to the volunteers who made this possible. Together, we’ve taken another important step in creating a sustainable future.”

Photo by Abbey Sadler

Schools and Community Unite

The participating schools were:

  • Icknield School

  • Endeavour Primary King Campus

  • Endeavour Primary Kirk Campus

  • Balksbury Juniors

  • Balksbury Infants

  • Normangate

  • Portway Juniors

  • Anton Juniors

  • Clatford CofE Primary

  • Abbots Ann CofE Primary

  • Hurstbourne Tarrant CofE Primary

  • Vernham Dean Gillum’s CofE Primary

  • Appleshaw St Peter’s CofE Primary

  • Vigo Primary School

  • St John the Baptist Catholic Primary

  • Knights Enham Juniors

  • Knights Enham Infants

  • Kimpton, Thruxton & Fyfield CofE Primary

  • Wherwell Primary

  • Wolverdene

Students from Harrow Way School and Andover College also joined, lending an extra hand to the younger participants. The Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley visited on November 18 along with Anna Ward’s Cllr Hasselman to commend the efforts and get involved in planting.

Local businesses played a pivotal role, with teams from Coca-Cola, Shenton, Vail Williams, Simply Health, and CO-OP offering time and resources. Community groups such as Andover & Anton Rotary Clubs and SoRecycle also lent their support. Transportation for the children was expertly provided by Pikes Coaches and Unity.

Village Contribution and Long-Term Impact

The surrounding villages of Upper Clatford and Abbotts Ann added their touch on November 16th, with residents planting an additional 159 trees. This brought the total to an impressive 1,500 trees.

Beyond beautifying the landscape, the newly planted saplings will collectively absorb approximately 16,500 kilograms of carbon over the next year—equivalent to the carbon footprint of three average UK residents.

A Testament to Collaboration

“This event is a testament to what we can achieve when schools, businesses, and the community come together,” said Wendy Davis, founder of ATU. “Every sapling planted today will shape a greener tomorrow.”

Warm refreshments provided by volunteers, including hot drinks, biscuits, and cakes, added a cosy touch to the hard work. The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to all who participated, from the schools and corporate teams to individual volunteers.

As the trees at Bury Hill grow, so does the legacy of this inspiring initiative—a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have on the environment.

Created by Vernham Dean Gillum’s CofE Primary School

 
Abbey SadlerComment