England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Hampshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Hampshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Blashford Lakes

Near Ringwood.

Habitat: Flooded gravel pits with surrounding woodland, grassland and ponds.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, common tern (spring and summer), sand martin (spring and summer), goosander (winter) and emperor dragonfly (summer).

02 / 05

Near Portsmouth.

Habitat: Coastal grazing marsh with freshwater pools, reedbeds and muddy shores beside Langstone Harbour.
Wildlife to look for: Dark-bellied brent goose (winter), wigeon (winter), dunlin (winter), redshank and short-eared owl (winter).

03 / 05

Near Winchester.

Habitat: Chalk grassland on steep slopes, with scrub and a small hilltop beech copse.
Wildlife to look for: Kestrel, buzzard, chalkhill blue butterfly (summer), brown argus butterfly (spring and summer) and marbled white butterfly (summer).

04 / 05

Near Winchester.

Habitat: Water meadows, reedbeds and wet woodland along the River Itchen.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, water vole, roe deer, brown trout and reed warbler (spring and summer).

05 / 05

Near Brockenhurst.

Habitat: Ancient woodland mixed with open meadows, pasture and lowland heath.
Wildlife to look for: Fallow deer, nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl.