Not all ‘Green Spaces’ are the same…

We’re so fortunate in Andover to have access to a rich mix of green spaces. Whether you’re enjoying a family picnic in Charlton Park or wandering quietly through the woodlands of Harmony Woods, nature is never far away.

But not all green spaces are the same — and how we treat them should reflect that.

Parks: Made for Us

Parks are carefully designed environments. They’re shaped for our enjoyment: play areas for children, benches for rest, smooth paths for accessibility, bins to manage litter. Parks invite us to relax, exercise, socialise, and play.

They are human spaces within urban settings — and that’s a good thing. Parks are vital for our mental and physical well being. We need them.

But a park is not a wild space.

Local Examples: Vigo Recreation Ground, Charlton Park, East Anton Sports Ground

Wild Spaces: Made for Nature

Wild spaces, such as nature reserves, woodlands, and rewilding meadows — are something entirely different.

These places exist primarily for nature. They are havens for wildlife, from nesting birds and butterflies to amphibians, insects, and ancient trees. They are not maintained for us, but protected by us for the plants and animals that live there. And when we enter, we step into their world.

That means we must tread carefully. Our presence should be quiet, gentle, and respectful.

Local Examples: Harmony/Diamond Woods, Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve, Bury Hill Meadows

Accessing Wild Spaces = Responsibility

In a park, it’s okay to throw a frisbee, have a party, or let your dog run free (where permitted). In a wild space, those same activities can cause real harm. A dog off-lead can disturb ground-nesting birds. A game of football can trample rare wildflowers. Loud voices or music may scare off wildlife at critical times of day or year.

Even small actions, like leaving a banana peel, picking a wildflower, or straying off a path, can have huge consequences in a delicate ecosystem.

That’s why signage, path markings, and conservation requests matter so much.

"But it’s just one dog / one walk / one picnic..."

That’s the thing: it’s never just one. As our beautiful wild spaces become more popular (which we welcome) — even well-meaning visitors can collectively cause harm if they don’t understand the difference between a park and a nature reserve.

That’s why this campaign ‘Respect the Wild’ matters. Because the more we know, the more we care and the better we protect what’s precious together.

Nature is not a Backdrop — it’s a Living System

Nature isn’t just scenery. It’s a complex, living network of relationships. Every butterfly, bird, and blade of grass has a role. And it all depends on balance.

When we walk through wild places with humility and care, we honour that balance. We become part of something bigger than ourselves. And that’s a powerful feeling — one that a park simply can’t provide.

How you CAN help!

Learn the difference between a park and a wild space
Stick to marked paths
Keep dogs on leads in wild areas
Leave no litter, not even biodegradable waste
Never pick plants or disturb wildlife
Be quiet and respectful — remember, you’re a guest

Final Thought: Walk Softly

When we say ‘Respect the Wild’ we’re not asking you to stay away. Quite the opposite. We invite everyone to discover the wonder of Andover’s wild places — but to do so with care and curiosity.

Let’s learn to walk softly, leave no trace, and truly appreciate the life that thrives beyond the mown grass and play equipment.

Because if we treat all green spaces the same… we risk losing the very wildness that makes them special.

Respect the Wild and why it matters!