Why Biodiversity Matters in Harmony Woods
What is biodiversity?
Why is it important?
Biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. A biodiverse woodland like Harmony Woods/Diamond Wood is healthier, more resilient to disease, and more likely to adapt to environmental changes such as climate shifts or invasive species.
Without biodiversity:
Pollinators disappear, affecting food chains.
Soil health declines, impacting tree growth.
Native species lose their habitat, leading to local extinctions.
The balance of nature unravels.
By enhancing biodiversity in Harmony Woods/Diamond Wood, we not only protect the environment—we create a living, breathing classroom for future generations.
When you walk through Harmony Woods/the Diamond Wood, you might notice the whispering leaves overhead, the quiet buzz of bees, or the sudden flurry of wings as a bird takes flight. It’s easy to take these moments for granted—but every one of them is a sign of biodiversity in action. And every one of them matters.
At Andover Trees United (ATU), biodiversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s our guiding principle. It means life. Variety. Resilience. It means protecting the delicate relationships between native trees, pollinators, soil fungi, birds, small mammals, and the many unseen organisms that support entire ecosystems.
A living, growing ecosystem
Since its first planting in 2012, Harmony Woods/Diamond has become home to:
Over 10,000 trees, including oak, hornbeam, field maple, and cherry.
Rich wildflower meadows that support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Ponds and wetlands used by frogs, newts, and aquatic insects.
Deadwood piles and leaf litter providing shelter for fungi, beetles, and hedgehogs
Ground nesting birds, such as skylarks, use out tall grassland for nesting.
Every species plays a role. Every patch of moss, every woodpecker’s call, is part of a bigger picture.
But biodiversity doesn’t just happen—it requires thoughtful planning, regular monitoring, and community action.
How our community helps biodiversity thrive
One of the things that makes Harmony Woods/Diamond Wood so unique is that it has been shaped by the people of Andover. Our volunteers, school groups, and conservation partners have helped with:
Tree planting events involving over 10,000 local school children.
Wild Harmony and Nature in Harmony projects to monitor insects, plants, and birds.
Habitat creation like bug hotels, bird boxes, and hibernation shelters.
Seasonal meadow management to encourage native flora.
These shared efforts show how biodiversity and community involvement go hand in hand.
Visiting Harmony Woods & Diamond Wood Responsibly
We welcome visitors who want to connect with nature. However, it's vital that we balance public access with ecological sensitivity. That means:
Staying on paths to avoid trampling wildflowers and saplings.
Keeping dogs on leads, at all times.
Taking litter home to prevent harm to wildlife.
Avoiding disturbance to deadwood piles and ponds—many creatures live there.
By respecting the space, you’re playing a direct role in protecting its biodiversity.
What you CAN do!
Volunteer: Help us maintain habitats and run nature events.
Sponsor a Tree: Support long-term conservation by donating to tree planting.
Spread the Word: Share this blog, invite friends to visit, or tag us in your wildlife photos.
Educate Others: Bring your children, your classmates, or your coworkers to one of our workshops or woodland sessions.
Together, we can ensure Harmony Woods continues to be a safe haven for wildlife—and a place where people rediscover their relationship with nature.
Nature needs us and we need nature.
Biodiversity is not something "out there" in the rainforest—it’s right here in Andover, in the rustling hedges and buzzing meadows of Harmony Woods.