Where to go
Nature Reserves
Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve |
| Petersfield - 323 acres of woodland and beech hanger, with magnificent views over the surrounding area. The nearest town is Petersfield, but roads to Alton and to Liss form part of the road boundary of the area, to which the name Ashford Chase is conveniently given, though in fact it is made up of a series of hills running east from Stoner to Wheatham. Footpaths cross the area from almost every direction. The scenery is outstanding, and has given the name "Little Switzerland" to this part of Hampshire. |
| OS grid ref SU 735 265 |
Botley Wood Local Nature Reserve |
| Wickham - An extensive area of varied woodland, scrub and grassland with rides and ancient droveways. The woods are of exceptional importance for wildlife. |
| OS grid ref SU 552 097 |
Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve |
| Southampton - Saltmarsh and inter-tidal mudland lying within the shelter of Calshot Spit, close to the Calshot Activities Centre. Car park nearby, charges apply. |
| OS grid ref SU 486 017 |
Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve |
| Near Eversley - Heathland and woodland nature reserve with important areas of valley mire. |
| OS grid ref SU 795 596 |
Catherington Down Nature Reserve |
| Nr Horndean - Chalk grassland and woodland, with well-preserved strip lynchets, an important example of early strip cultivation. Managed in partnership with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust. |
| OS grid SU 693 144 |
Claylands Nature Reserve |
| Bishop’s Watham - Northbrook - An area of grassland, scrub and woodland on the site of a former claypit, once used for brick-making. Although small, the reserve supports a remarkable variety of wildlife. |
| OS grid SU 548 180 |
Dundridge Nature Reserve |
| Bishop’s Watham - Grassland habitats on gently sloping ground, in the quiet Dundridge valley near Bishops Waltham. |
| OS grid SU 564 182 |
Gutner Point Nature Reserve |
| Hayling Island - Grassland, saltmarsh and inter-tidal mudland extending into Chichester Harbour. |
| OS grid ref SU 735 015 |
Herbert Plantation Nature Reserve |
| Burghclere - Mixed woodland of oak, birch, alder and pine. |
| OS grid ref SU 474 622 |
Hook-with-Warsash Local Nature Reserve |
| Warsash - Varied coastal habitats of shingle, grassland, wetland and woodland at the mouth of the Hamble river. Car parks in Warsash village. |
| OS grid ref SU 493 051 |
Kite’s Croft Nature Reserve |
| Titchfield - Oak and alder woodlands bordering the Brownwich Stream near Titchfield. |
| OS grid ref SU 528 066 |
Keyhaven Nature Reserve |
| Lymington - Coastal marshes, lagoons and former salt marshes. |
| OS grid ref SZ 308 911 |
Martin Down National Nature Reserve |
| Martin - Chalk grassland and scrub, of national importance for its rich archaeology and wealth of downland wildlife. The reserve is managed in partnership with English Nature. Car parks at Sillens Lane, to the west of Martin village, and off the A354 Salisbury-Blandford road. |
| OS grid ref SU 057 192 |
Mercury Marshes Nature Reserve |
| Hamble Rice - Saltmarsh, reedbeds and scrub flanking the river Hamble. |
| OS grid ref SU 485 076 |
Old Winchester Hill |
| West Meon - National nature reserve, with steep downland slopes, an iron age hillfort and wonderful views. Owned and managed by the English Nature. |
| OS grid ref SU 641 204 |
The Moors Nature Reserve |
| Bishop’s Waltham - Flower-rich wet meadows, fen and woodland surrounding a group of springs and a mill pond, at the source of the Hamble river near Bishops Waltham. The site is of exceptional interest for its flora and fauna. |
Sandy Point Nature Reserve |
| Hayling Island, Eastoke Point - Coastal dune, heath and grassland with rare plants and insects. |
| OS grid ref SZ 747 9811 |
Shortheath Common Nature Reserve |
| Alton - Heathland and woodland with an important valley mire. Small car park off minor road between Kingsley and Oakhanger. |
| OS grid ref SU 775 369 |
Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve |
| Titchfield, Fareham - Titchfield Haven is a nationally renowned nature reserve, celebrated as a winter refuge for a large variety of ducks, geese and wading birds, and as a summer breeding ground for the rare Avocet. |
| High quality hides provide spectacular views of the wildlife and a network of paths and boardwalks take you through a rare, unspoilt landscape. |
| OS grid ref SU 534 023 |
Zebon Copse Nature Reserve |
| Crookham, Fleet - Mixed broad-leaved woodland with mire habitats adjoining the Basingstoke Canal. |
| OS grid ref SU 798 518 |