Andover Trees United (ATU) celebrated the UN International Day of Peace with a community event at Harmony Wood on Friday 19 September 2025 – held a little early so local schoolchildren could take part.
A symbolic procession moved through the woodland led by the Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Gordon Bailey, accompanied by his dog, Max. ATU’s giant peace doves joined pupils, teachers, volunteers and local representatives, in an initiative championed by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots (Jane Goodall Institute UK).
The procession concluded in the Meadow at the heart of Harmony Wood, where representatives from Endeavour, Portway, Abbotts Ann, Knights Enham, Harrow Way, Vernham Dean and Vigo schools each read a prayer for peace. The Mayor then spoke about the importance of peace in our communities before planting a commemorative oak tree with the children – a symbol of strength, resilience and hope.
Participants decorated wooden shards with personal messages of peace and placed them around the oak, while handcrafted peace doves were hung throughout the trees. The day finished with refreshments, cake and a light lunch provided by ATU volunteers.
Wendy Davis, Founder of ATU, said:
“This event is about more than just one day – it’s about inspiring a generation to see peace as something they can create in their everyday lives. Planting the Oak tree with the children felt incredibly symbolic. It will grow alongside them, reminding us all that peace must be nurtured if it is to thrive.”
Organisers thanked everyone who supported the day, including local councillors Cllr Jason Sangster, Cllr David Drew and Cllr Kirsty North, corporate partners Stannah and Co-op, teachers, students and the volunteers who made the celebration possible.
With the newly planted oak and the decorated wood shards now in place, Harmony Wood carries a clear message for future visitors: peace begins with us.