In the northern Test Valley, the Upper Anton weaves a watery thread through the landscape and into the town of Andover. This beautiful chalk stream is central to the town's identity, enriching the nature reserves and urban spaces alike. It even gives the town its name - originally 'Onna-dwfr', 'Anna-dwfr', or 'Andefera', meaning 'the river of the ash trees' or 'place by the ash-tree waters'.

In 2022, this precious habitat was the focus of a project run by a charity called Andover Trees United. They had a plan for how local people could discover the chalk stream, its cultural heritage, and the native trees that line its banks. To achieve this, they successfully applied for a Watercress and Winterbournes Community Grant and funding from Test Valley Borough Council.

Their project, dubbed 'Living by the Ash Tree Waters', ran from April to August of that year. To encourage greater exploration of the Upper Anton, the project linked the town centre with the nearby villages of Appleshaw and Vernham Dean. The two project strands - each led by an expert creative practitioner - aimed to give participants a community-led learning experience.

The first strand of the project was led by artist James Aldridge, whose creative practice is informed by interactions with the natural world. James had previously worked with Andover Trees United on another project, 'Ash Tree Stream', and used that experience to shape his activities.

James began by visiting one primary school in Andover, one in Appleshaw, and one in Vernham Dean. During a day-long workshop, each school's pupils shared their thoughts on the design and contents of a backpack, the purpose of which would be helping people to explore chalk streams.

With the input of these pupils, James made 15 'Nature (Curious) Explorer Backpacks' containing items like magnifying glasses and activity sheets. Community members then tested out the backpacks at five half-day events, and their feedback helped James to create the final versions.

As James was developing his backpacks, the second strand of the project got underway. It was led by musician and composer Paul Sartin, who is especially celebrated for his devotion to English folk music. He sadly passed away soon after the project's completion, and is greatly missed.

Paul ran three workshops - one at each project location - in which the participants learned folk songs related to chalk streams. The songs had been newly arranged into three-part harmony by Paul himself. Ten of the participants then joined a 'pop-up' choir, and were inspired to write new song lyrics after researching the streams and their history.

After a rehearsal in each location, it was time to bring the two project strands together. Residents were invited to attend a lunchtime concert and picnic, accompanied by a streamside walk led by James. Paul and the choir performed their songs acapella - interspersed with readings about chalk streams - for both the event attendees and passers-by to enjoy.

Overall, the project involved an impressive 350 community members, including 140 children and young people. These participants shared their feedback through a questionnaire, with 100% of respondents saying that the project had connected them to their natural environment and cultural heritage, and had also enabled them to learn something new about chalk streams.

100% of those who participated in the first project strand said that they enjoyed the experience, and 60% said that they would use the backpacks again if they were made available to their community. 75% of those who participated in the second project strand had never sung folk music before, but 100% of those expressed a wish to pursue this new interest further.

Cherishing our chalk streams

The Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme is protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the seven chalk streams that comprise the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen. There are many fun ways to get involved, with more than 20 projects to explore. We also offer small grants for community-led projects like the one detailed here, and would love to hear your ideas.

Learn about Community Grants

Learn about Watercress and Winterbournes