Hampshire's National Nature Reserves
Updated 30 September 2021
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hampshires-national-nature-reserves/hampshires-national-nature-reserves
Ashford Hangers
Ashford Hangers NNR is a part of the mainly wooded escarpment where the Hampshire chalk plateau meets the lower Weald.
Main habitats: woodland, lowland grassland
Area: 147 hectares
Management: owned and managed by Hampshire County Council
Features of interest
Further information about the NNR, its wildlife and how to visit can be found on the Ashford Hangers page of the Hampshire County Council website.
Ashford Hill
Ashford Hill NNR consists of a series of low-lying meadows in the valley of a small stream.
Main habitats: lowland grassland
Area: 23 hectares
Features of interest
The meadows have been traditionally managed by grazing and hay-cutting with little, or no, use of fertilisers.
Water violet and marsh stitchwort can be found in the permanently waterlogged areas of site, while drier sections support populations of Dyer’s greenweed and large thyme.
Anthills created by the yellow meadow ant can be seen in drier areas of the reserve. 32 species of butterfly have been recorded at the site, including the purple emperor and 5 species of fritillary.
Directions
The NNR is adjacent to the village of Ashford Hill on the B3051, mid-way between the towns of Kingsclere (on the A339) and Tadley (on the A340). The site is accessed via a footpath from the B3051.
The nearest train stations are at Newbury, 10 kilometres to the north west and Basingstoke, 10 kilometres to the south east.
The B3051 connects Kingsclere and Tadley and a local bus service on this road passes the NNR.
The reserve can be visited at any time of the year; however, it often floods so access can be difficult in wet weather.
Contact
For further information regarding this site contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill NNR is a prominent chalk hill at the western end of the South Downs National Park.
Main habitats: chalk downland, woodland, scrub
Area: 40 hectares
Features of interest
Classic chalk grassland plants can be found throughout the spring and summer, such as wild thyme, squinancywort, clustered bellflower, common rock rose, horseshoe vetch and restharrow. Less common species such as round-headed rampion and field fleawort are also present.
Beacon Hill is an excellent place for spotting butterflies such as the chalkhill blue, silver-spotted skipper, brown argus and grizzled skipper.
The reserve is a good place to encounter many of the declining farmland bird species such as linnet and yellowhammer. Raptors such as the red kite, buzzard and kestrel can be seen, as well as summer migrants like whitethroats, willow warblers and blackcaps.
Directions
Beacon Hill is situated mid-way between Winchester and Petersfield, 2 miles west of the A32 at Warnford. There is a small car park at the entrance to the reserve. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. From there, visitors can walk on a flat track for half a mile to the downland. Once on the downland, the going can be very steep and uneven.
The nearest railway stations are at Winchester and Petersfield.
A bus service runs several times a day between Winchester and Petersfield, stopping at West Meon, about 3 miles from the reserve. See Traveline for details.
The reserve is located 2 miles west of the A32 at the village of Warnford. There is a car park at the entrance to the nature reserve.
The South Downs Way National Trail crosses the reserve, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
See the map to find out where you can ride a horse or cycle on the reserve.
School and community groups
The site is open every day of the year and available for self-guided and guided walks. There are no toilet facilities on site.
Volunteering
Contact volunteerenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering at Beacon Hill NNR.
Contact
For further information regarding this site contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.
Butser Hill
Butser Hill NNR is a large area of chalk grassland in Hampshire.
Main habitats: woodland, lowland grassland
Area: 231 hectares
Management: Butser Hill lies within the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and is run by Hampshire County Council.
Features of interest
Further information about the NNR, its wildlife and how to visit can be found on the Queen Elizabeth Country Park page on the Hampshire website.
Contact
Email qecp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk Telephone: 023 9259 5040
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill
Horndean
PO8 0QE
Castle Bottom
The reserve is a large valley bog with associated heathland habitats.
Main habitats: lowland heath
Area: 29 hectares
Management: Castle Bottom NNR is owned and managed by Hampshire County Council
Further information about the NNR, its wildlife and how to visit can be found on the Castle Bottom page of the Hampshire County Council website.
Contact
Email: northern.sites@hants.gov.uk
Telephone: 01252 870425
Martin Down
The reserve is home to an exceptional collection of plants and animals associated with chalk downland and scrub habitats, including a number of rare or threatened species.
Main habitat: lowland grassland
Area: 342 hectares
Management: Martin Down is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and the Hampshire County Council. Hampshire Wildlife Trust also have the freehold of the north of the NNR called Kitt’s Grave and this area is managed on their behalf by Natural England under a long-term lease.
Features of interest
The NNR represents one of the largest areas of uninterrupted chalk downland in Britain (Salisbury Plain and Porton Down being larger). It has great views across Cranborne Chase and the lack of light pollution at night makes it an ideal area for star gazing.
Notable plants found in the area include bastard toadflax, field fleawort, early gentian and lesser centaury. Twelve orchid species have also been identified, including burnt-tip, green-winged, greater butterfly and frog.
Five bat species have been recorded in the area: noctule, serotine, brown long-eared, common and soprano pipistrelle; and brown hare is found throughout the site. Birds found at Martin Down include turtle dove, grey partridge, nightingale, skylark, yellowhammer and linnet. Hobby and quail may also be encountered and Montagu’s harrier and stone curlew sometimes visit the site.
Directions
The reserve is 14 kilometres south west of Salisbury, 1 kilometre west of Martin village. The northern part of the site is crossed by the A354.
The nearest train station is in Salisbury
Bus services from Salisbury along the A354 are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company. There is a bus stop by the main car park with access directly onto the site.
Access to the site is via the A354 and minor roads leading from it. There is a car park on the A354 and another at the end of Sillens Lane, a minor road from the village of Martin, 1km east of the reserve. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app.
A path, the Jubilee Trail, crosses the site and there are numerous bridleways and footpaths in the area. More information on walking and cycling in the area is available on the Wiltshire Council website.
School and community groups
We are able to provide staff time for a half day or full day of activities for a small number of school visits per year. Please telephone to discuss further. School groups are also able to self guide themselves around the site but please let us know in advance. Please note there are no toilets except for pre-booked visits and coach parking is very limited.
Contact
For further information or to discuss volunteering, contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.
North Solent
Within the New Forest, the North Solent is a large coastal reserve, where ancient oak woods meet estuaries and salt marsh to create a diverse and rich mix of habitats and wildlife.
Main habitats: coastal, grassland, woodland, heathland, reedbeds, valley mires, freshwater through to saline ditch and lagoons
Area: 820 hectares
Features of interest
North Solent is one of the larger National Nature Reserves. It makes up part of the New Forest National Park, and is a fine example of the Hampshire coast, with heaths, valley mires, and ancient oak woodlands that meet coastal habitats along the Beaulieu river estuary.
The coastal grazing marsh, associated coastal habitats and heath are a great place to see some of our country’s most enigmatic bird species, as well as visiting migrants and a variety of raptors.
In spring, breeding lapwing can be seen swooping high and low over the grassland, the avocet too are marking out their territories and making their presence felt. Other species, perhaps not as conspicuous, are redshank, skylark and a host of warblers, all bringing their individual calls to this peaceful area of Hampshire coast.
Through summer and autumn, along with our avian residents, there is an opportunity to see dragonflies and butterflies, such as the pearl-bordered fritillary, which are also on the wing.
As the days get darker and colder, the site’s bird numbers are on the rise and the reserve comes alive with grazing and foraging waders and wildfowl. Flocks of Brent geese, widgeon and teal occupy the coastal fringes and grasslands, along with some more unusual visitors that may drop in to roost and feed.
Directions
The reserve is fragmented, and therefore accessible from different locations; at Beaulieu village and along the Beaulieu River on the ‘Solent Way’ footpath, by permitted access only at Needs Ore. Permits for Needs Ore can be purchased by contacting the Beaulieu Estate office (01590 612345).
The best public transport links are by bus to Beaulieu village, between July and September you can take the open top New Forest Tour Bus to Beaulieu. Local bus services are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company.
The nearest train station is Beaulieu Road (5km to the north of Beaulieu) served by South West Trains, however there are more regular services to Brockenhurst, served by South West Trains and Virgin Trains.
From junction 2 of the M27, follow the B236 to Beaulieu Village, where parking is available and access to the ‘Solent Way’ footpath is possible.
A major trail, the Solent Way, passes through Beaulieu and then runs parallel to the west bank of the Beaulieu River as far as Bucklers Hard before turning towards Lymington, 7 kilometres to the west.
Further information
There are some opportunities to join the volunteer team at the North Solent NNR. Contact the reserve manager or email VolunteerEnquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.
For further information regarding this site contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.
Old Winchester Hill
Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve is a prime example of species-rich chalk grassland in the South Downs National Park.
Main habitats: chalk downland, woodland
Area: 63 hectares
Features of interest
A wide range of classic chalk grassland plants can be found throughout the spring and summer, such as wild thyme, squinancywort, clustered bellflower, salad burnet, horseshoe vetch and restharrow. Less common species such as round-headed rampion and field fleawort can also be found.
Old Winchester Hill is known to be a hot spot for the chalkhill blue butterfly, with many hundreds, if not thousands visible on a peak day at the beginning of August. In all, 37 species of butterfly have been recorded on the site, the less common of which include the silver-spotted skipper, dark green fritillary and Duke of Burgundy.
The reserve is a good place to encounter many of the declining farmland bird species such as linnet, yellowhammer, corn bunting. Raptors such as the red kite, buzzard and kestrel can be seen, as well as summer migrants like whitethroats, willow warblers and blackcaps, and passing visitors including the wheatear and the ring ouzel.
The site is also important for archaeology, with prominent Bronze Age burial mounds and well preserved Iron Age hill fort ramparts.
Disabled access
RADAR key holders can use the easy access trail car park which is accessible from the north gate. The easy access trail can then be used to get to the hill fort. There is a kissing gate with a RADAR lock on it there, to allow easier access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Directions
Old Winchester Hill is situated mid-way between Winchester and Petersfield, which are served by main railway lines.
A bus service runs several times a day between Winchester and Petersfield, stopping at West Meon, about 2 miles from the reserve. See Traveline for details.
The reserve can be found 2 miles east of the A32 at the village of Warnford. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app.
The South Downs Way National Trail crosses the reserve, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
School and community groups
The site is open every day of the year and available for self-guided or guided walks. Groups with minibuses or other tall vehicles should contact site staff to ensure that the height barrier at the entrance to the car park is opened. There are no toilet facilities on site.
Volunteering
Volunteers undertake light wardening duties such as patrolling the site, and occasional help with sheep management, monitoring and habitat management work.
Contact volunteerenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering at Old Winchester Hill NNR.
Contact
Contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.
Titchfield Haven
Titchfield Haven, part of the lower floodplain of the Meon river, is a low lying and generally flat area. The site was formerly the estuary of the River Meon.
Main habitat: open water
Management: Titchfield Haven is owned and managed by Hampshire County Council.
Features of interest
Further information about the NNR, its wildlife and how to visit can be found on the Titchfield Haven page on the Hampshire County Council website.
Contact
Email: titchfield.enquiries@hants.gov.uk
Telephone: 01329 662145
Titchfield Haven Visitor Centre and Reserve
Cliff Road
Hill Head
Fareham
Hampshire
PO14 3JT