Reserves and species

Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Lower Test

The River Test flows through the Lower Test Marshes before passing to the sea through Southampton Water. The mixture of freshwater and saltwater gives a great range of habitats that is reflected in the large numbers of birds and flowering plants. It is one of the best sites in the country to see kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl regularly use this site. Over 450 species of wildflower have also been recorded here, including Southern marsh- and green-winged orchids.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
156.00
Short Description: 
At the head of Southampton Water, this reserve has a variety of coastal and wetland habitats, with a large number of birds and plants
Smartphone Description: 
The River Test flows through the Lower Test Marshes before passing to the sea through Southampton Water. The mixture of freshwater and saltwater gives a great range of habitats that is reflected in the large numbers of birds and flowering plants. It is one of the best sites in the country to see kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl regularly use this site
Location
Address: 
0.5 miles from Totton
Town: 
Hampshire
County: 
Please see 'Getting to Lower Test'
Grid ref: 
SU 365 145
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Reserve open at all times; bird hide generally open from 9am to 4pm
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Please contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Roadside parking on Testwood Lane near Salmon Leap Pub, Totton
Walking information: 
Test Way public footpath crosses the reserve with sections of boardwalk. Permissive path leads to bird viewing screens and hide in South. Please keep to the path to avoid disturbance to wildlife. Please check the tide times as the reserve is not accessible at high tide.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle on site from March to December.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
02380 424206
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Species: 
Kingfisher
Wigeon
Teal
Cetti's Warbler
Osprey
Mallard
Swallow
Peregrine Falcon
Starling
Bittern
Little Egret
Reed Bunting
Green-winged Orchid
Red Admiral
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Linwood

A small woodland within the New Forest. The woodland is grazed in parts forming open glades and the Dockens Water stream adds to the range of habitats and wildlife

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
8.00
Short Description: 
An enclosed part of the New Forest consisting of woodland and wet grassland running alongside the Dockens Water.
Smartphone Description: 
A small woodland within the New Forest. The woodland is grazed in parts forming open glades and the Dockens Water stream adds to the range of habitats and wildlife
Location
Address: 
Near Ringwood
Town: 
Ringwood
County: 
Hampshire
Grid ref: 
SU 180 096
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Small site, accessible via a rough track. The site has private residence in the middle, please do not obstruct access. . A public footpath crosses the reserve.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Car parks are available at various points in the New Forest from which it is possible to walk to the reserve.
Walking information: 
A public footpath crosses the reserve.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Linwood
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes

This large area of salt marsh and mudflats lies either side of Lymington River and is of international importance for the large numbers of breeding, feeding and roosting birds that it supports.
Although there is no access into the coastal marshes themselves, gravel paths maintained by Hampshire County Council (who own the inland marshes) allow visitors to walk along the sea wall and admire the stunning vistas across the Solent to Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
738.00
Short Description: 
A large area of coastal marsh and mudflats supporting internationally important numbers of birds and specialised plants.
Smartphone Description: 
This large area of salt marsh and mudflats lies either side of Lymington River and is of international importance for the large numbers of breeding, feeding and roosting birds that it supports.
Location
Address: 
Less than 3 miles from Lymington.
Town: 
Lymington
County: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
SO41 3SE (to Lymington Lifeboat Station car park)
Grid ref: 
SZ 310 910
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times.
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
No direct access onto the marsh, the site can be viewed from the sea wall, which runs around the Hampshire County Council's Lymington and Pennington Marshes reserve. Please keep off the marshes to avoid disturbance to the sea birds.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in Lymington at Bath Road, or the public car park opposite pub in Keyhaven or in car park near Hurst Spit.
Walking information: 
Please keep off the marshes to avoid disturbance to the sea birds.
Grazing animals: 
No
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774 400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve.
Flickr group URL: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/treehouse1977/872409796/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Species: 
Sandwich Tern
Little Tern
Black-headed Gull
Cormorant
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Yellow Horned-poppy
Brent Goose
Grey Plover
Dunlin
Black-tailed Godwit
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Hythe Spartina Marsh

Hythe Spartina Marsh is a small stretch of coastal habitat flanking Southampton Water, with specialised plants that can cope with being covered by sea water. These species include sea aster, sea purslane, and sea lavender. Large creeks divide the saltmarsh, within which young fish hide from predators. There is an abundant bird life that seems to thrive despite the busy estuary

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
10.00
Short Description: 
An area of Southampton Water of international importance for birds
Smartphone Description: 
Hythe Spartina Marsh is a small stretch of coastal habitat flanking Southampton Water, with specialised plants that can cope with being covered by sea water. These species include sea aster, sea purslane, and sea lavender. Large creeks divide the saltmarsh, within which young fish hide from predators. There is an abundant bird life that seems to thrive despite the busy estuary
Location
Address: 
0.5 mile from Hythe
Town: 
Hythe
County: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
SO45 6DF (to Shore Road)
Grid ref: 
SU 433 072
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Via shore road, beware the area is tidal with soft underfoot conditions. Please check tide tables before visiting. The reserve is wet, under tidal influences and divided by creeks. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
The car park is on Shore Road south west of Hythe town centre
Walking information: 
The reserve is wet, under tidal influences and divided by creeks
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hythe Spartina Marsh
Best time to visit
Start: 
October
End: 
March
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Hookheath Meadows

A series of interlinking species rich meadows surrounded by semi natural ancient woodland and alder carr

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
13.00
Short Description: 
Rare example of lowland pasture comprising 7 meadows and adjoining semi-natural ancient woodland and alder carr.
Smartphone Description: 
A series of interlinking species rich meadows surrounded by semi natural ancient woodland and alder carr. Good numbers of marsh orchids can be found on the site along with other species such as pepper saxifrage. Sites is rich in invertebrate life including the golden ringed dragonfly, silver wash fritillary butterfly and wasp spider.
Location
Address: 
Southwick Estate
Town: 
Southwick
County: 
Hampshire
Grid ref: 
SU 647 078
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Permit required
Access info: 
Permit required, please contact the Trust. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hook Heath
Species: 
Silver-washed Fritillary
Song Thrush
Skylark
Bullfinch
Meadowsweet
Bird's-foot-trefoil
Tufted Vetch
Devil's-bit Scabious
Ribwort Plantain
Creeping Buttercup
Meadow Thistle
Pepper Saxifrage
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Headley Gravel Pit

A shallow gravel workings, which, like many other old excavations, has developed into an important wildlife site. The woodland around the edge of the reserve is home to many birds and the damp open area has large populations of orchids.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
7.00
Short Description: 
Naturally restored gravel workings with rich and diverse grassland
Smartphone Description: 
A shallow gravel workings, which, like many other old excavations, has developed into an important wildlife site. The woodland around the edge of the reserve is home to many birds and the damp open area has large populations of orchids. Large populations of green-winged orchids flower in May and nesting birds include long-tailed tits. The reserve is also home to an unusual colour variant of the adder, resulting in a population of black adders
Location
Address: 
On the east edge of Headley
Town: 
Headley
County: 
Hampshire
Grid ref: 
SU 512 626
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Permit required
Access info: 
Permit required, please contact the Trust. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in lay-by on right on way into Headley village from the A339
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Headley Gravel Pit
Species: 
Adder
Grass Snake
Grizzled skipper
Dingy skipper
White Admiral
Glow-worm
Green-winged Orchid
English Oak
Ash
Common Spotted orchid
Ground-ivy
Oxeye Daisy
Creeping Buttercup
Sorrel
Ribwort Plantain
Water Mint
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Greywell Moors

Due to post-war cessation of grazing, wet woodland and scrub have invaded this area and reduced the area of open fen meadow; however it is still extraordinarily rich in scarce plant species, including national rarities. Species include marsh helleborine and pepper-saxifrage and the fen is also nationally important for its population of sedges, rushes and lower plants such as mosses and liverworts.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
13.00
Short Description: 
A nationally important fen and wet woodland system with many rare plants and invertebrates
Smartphone Description: 
Due to post-war cessation of grazing, wet woodland and scrub have invaded this area and reduced the area of open fen meadow; however it is still extraordinarily rich in scarce plant species, including national rarities. Species include marsh helleborine and pepper-saxifrage and the fen is also nationally important for its population of sedges, rushes and lower plants such as mosses and liverworts.
Location
Address: 
Next to Greywell Village
Town: 
Greywell
County: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
RG29 1BY (to Fox and Goose pub)
Grid ref: 
SU 720 510
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Permit required if you wish to visit the northern part of the reserve, due to ownership requirements. Please avoid the marshy areas as these are sensitive to trampling and can be dangerous to cross.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park on the left hand side of an approach drive to the pumping station that is on Deptford Lane. Please keep vehicle access to pumping station clear.
Walking information: 
Please avoid the marshy areas as these are sensitive to trampling and can be dangerous to cross.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Mike Morton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01256 381190
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Greywell Moors
Species: 
Marsh Helleborine
Marsh-marigold
Pepper Saxifrage
Devil's-bit Scabious
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Flexford

Flexford Reserve is a popular green haven amid the surrounding urban development. In Upper Flexford Monk's Brook runs through the woodland supporting a good variety of birds and plants.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
20.00
Short Description: 
Woodland walks by Monk's Brook passing through flower rich wet meadows and woodland
Smartphone Description: 
Flexford Reserve is a popular green haven amid the surrounding urban development. In Upper Flexford Monk's Brook runs through the woodland supporting a good variety of birds and plants. Downstream the wet meadow of Lower Flexford is a nationally scarce habitat, which is fed from Monks Brook. The field is a blaze of colour in spring and summer with many flowering plants. Plants such as marsh-marigold, marsh and spotted orchids, ragged robin and flag iris are but a few of the flowers that can be seen here
Location
Address: 
2.5 miles from Eastleigh
Town: 
Chandlers Ford
County: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
SO53 1SZ (Upper Flexford) SO53 1JE (Lower Flexford)
Grid ref: 
SU 424 215
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Permit required if you wish to also visit the wet meadow on Lower Flexford.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Roadside parking on North Millers Dale. For Upper Flexford.For Lower Flexford, park in Glendowen Road car park or Ramalley Lane in car park opposite scout hut.
Walking information: 
There are no footpaths through the wet grassland of Lower Flexford. There are footpaths through the woodland areas on Upper and Lower Flexford
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Cattle grazing May to December
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
02380 424206
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Flexford
Species: 
Alder
Marsh-marigold
Siskin
Nuthatch
Brimstone
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Farlington Marshes

Farlington Marsh is one of the Trust's oldest reserves and one that visitors return to year after year. This site is a coastal grazing marsh and lagoon which has several pools, both freshwater and brackish, and a broad stream which provide feeding and roosting sites for waders and wildfowl. It is internationally important for the bird population that is supports, such as bearded tit, sedge and reed warblers.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
125.00
Short Description: 
A species-rich grazing marsh of international importance for the waders and wildfowl that it supports
Smartphone Description: 
Farlington Marsh is one of the Trust's oldest reserve and one that visitors return to year after year. This site is a coastal grazing marsh and lagoon which has several pools, both freshwater and brackish, and a broad stream which provide feeding and roosting sites for waders and wildfowl. It is internationally important for the bird population that is supports, such as bearded tit, sedge and reed warblers. Many flowering plants have been recorded here, including unusual species such as sea barley and corky-fruited waterdropwort
Location
Address: 
2 miles from Havant
Town: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
Please see 'Getting to Farlington Marshes'
Grid ref: 
SU 685 045
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Please keep to paths to avoid disturbance to sensitive wildlife. Wellingtons or sturdy boots may be needed if conditions are wet. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Western car park off the A27/A2030 roundabout (height barrier); eastern access reached by parking at the Broadmarsh Coastal Park
Walking information: 
Wellingtons or sturdy boots may be needed if conditions are wet. Please keep to paths to avoid disturbance to sensitive wildlife
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01489 774 400
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Farlington Marshes
Species: 
Brent Goose
Wigeon
Shoveler
Pintail
Black-tailed Godwit
Marsh Harrier
Short-eared Owl
Bearded Tit
Avocet
Dunlin
Grey Plover
Redshank
Curlew
Ringed Plover
Turnstone
Oystercatcher
Black-necked Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Peregrine Falcon
Merlin
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Skylark
Lapwing
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by hampshire
2011-05-04 11:33

Emer Bog and Baddesley Common

Emer Bog is an excellent example of a lowland valley mire. It has a rich flora and fauna dominated by bog species including reeds and sedges.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk
Size: 
52.00
Short Description: 
Transition mire and wet woodland of international importance with remnants of heath, wood pasture and acid/neutral grassland.
Smartphone Description: 
Emer Bog is an excellent example of a lowland valley mire. It has a rich flora and fauna dominated by bog species including reeds and sedges. Downstream, the bog gives way to a mature alder carr, whilst upstream, it moves into heathland with pine, birch and scrub. Baddesley Common contains remnants of former common land. Today, it forms an acid grassland dominated by purple moor grass, cross-leaved heather and meadow thistle.
Location
Address: 
1 mile from North Baddesley
Town: 
North Baddesley
County: 
Hampshire
Postcode: 
SO51 9BN (close to Emer Farm on Green Lane)
Grid ref: 
SU 388 219
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
A wide variety of underfoot conditions may be encountered. Contact the Trust for disabled access information.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking for up to 3 cars on hard standing off Green Lane next to Emer Farm entrance.
Walking information: 
Timber boardwalk through alder carr woodland. Two public footpaths run across the site (details on Hampshire County Council website). Footpaths can be muddy and ponies graze across the whole site.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
02380 424206
Reserve email address: 
feedback@hiwwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Emer Bog and Baddesley Common
Species: 
Adder
Grass Snake
Slow-worm
Skylark
Stonechat
White Admiral
Purple Hairstreak
Silver-studded blue
Marsh Cinquefoil
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve