Andover Trees United volunteers 44-mile walk raises over £1k

Andover Trees United is raising money to build a cabin to serve as an off-grid, sustainable classroom, field-study base, community, and volunteer room.

The building will be sensitive to its surroundings and sits well in the landscape.

Cabin builder Ben Startup, 49, and volunteers Andrew Whitney and Shane Pike, 38 and 33 respectively, completed a sponsored walk to raise money for a cabin to serve as an outdoor classroom in Harmony Woods.

The walk took place over three days, from Saturday, September 23 to Monday, September 25 and covered the Test Way, from Inkpen Beacon to Eling.

READ MORE: Two Andover pubs react after being recognised in Good Beer Guide 2024

Andrew said: "I'm enthusiastic about nature and the environment, and Andover Trees United provides me with opportunities to connect with nature, enhance my wellbeing, and support young people from the community. Participating in the 44-mile walk challenge allows me to push my limits for a meaningful cause, all while being autistic.

"I hope the outdoor classroom cabin build will inspire the younger generation to get more out of nature and to protect the environment as this walk is supporting." 

Plans for the cabin date back to the beginning of the Harmony Woods project, with the scheme approved by Test Valley Borough Council in 2019.

To allow for the project to get off the ground, the charity conducted a variety of fundraising events, including art auctions and charity walks.

A charity spokesperson said: “Over the years, our community-led group of volunteers and dedicated team have worked tirelessly to educate and inspire the local community and further afield. It is this continuing enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to saving our woodlands for future generations that enables us to build a more sustainable future.”

To support Ben, Andrew and Shane's walk, visit Andover Trees United's Facebook page at facebook.com/AndoverTreesUnited.