A Scent Walk is coming to Andover's Diamond Woods
What’s a Scent Walk?
A Scent Walk is a slow, on-lead walk where your dog uses their nose to explore the world.
Instead of racing from A to B, your dog:
Sniffs tree trunks, grass, and the breeze
Follows scent trails left by wildlife or other dogs
Engages their brain while staying close to you
Why do it here?
At Diamond Woods, we’re proud to protect a rich mix of wildlife, flowers, fungi, and soil life. Scent Walks:
Make dogs calmer and happier
Respect wildlife by keeping them on-lead
Reduce damage to plants and soil
Encourage mindful walking for humans too
How to Scent like a pro:
Use a long lead (2m–5m) for both freedom and control N.B. April-August SHORT LEADS ONLY in The Diamond Wood due to the presence of ground-nesting birds
Let your dog choose the route (within the marked paths)
Pause often - sniffing is like reading a good book!
Don’t rush - 15 mins of sniffing is more stimulating than a 45-min power walk
Stay on the trail - your dog’s nose will still pick up plenty
Reward calm sniffing with praise or treats
Don’t forget to pick up your dogs poop!
REMEMBER: From June 1st – All Dogs On Leads Together, we can protect nesting birds, baby mammals, and rare wildflowers - one sniff at a time!
Bonus Tip:
While your dog reads the ground, you can: Look up at the trees, notice wildflowers, take a few deep breaths... It’s good for you and your dog and even better for the wildlife who call this wild space home.
You Can Still Enjoy the Wild:
This isn’t about keeping dogs out. It’s about keeping nature in.
We invite you to walk, sit, explore, and breathe in the beauty of the site, with your dog safely at your side. Bring a lead, bring a bag, bring your respect for the land - and know that you’re part of something bigger.
Together, we’re not just walking dogs.
We’re protecting a living landscape.
Let’s lead the way.
Download a handy guide here.
Want to help? Share this blog, follow our campaign on social media, or volunteer with us to protect habitats year-round.