Hampshire Nature Reserves
From ancient woodlands to meadows and wetlands, Hampshire's nature reserves are just waiting to be explored.
The prestigious designation is given by Natural England only to the very best wildlife sites in the country. It’s a recognition of rare and precious areas which protect some of our country’s most important habitats, species and geology. Each National Nature Reserve bolsters research, education and recreation, and helps us enjoy and engage with our natural heritage.
Butser Hill
One of the highest points in Hampshire with unbroken views of the surrounding countryside, it has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Over 30 types of butterfly have been seen here, including many protected species.
Gravel Hill Horndean PO8 0QE
Titchfield Haven
A beautiful wetland nature reserve right on the coast. It is particularly good for spotting coastal birds such as dark-bellied brent geese in winter, along with teal, cormorant, curlew, ringed plovers and redshank.
Cliff Road Hill Head, Fareham PO14 3JT
Ashford Hangers
A woodland of beech, ash and yew on steep chalk hillsides, with areas of chalk grassland and a treasure trove of rare plants. The name ‘Hanger’ comes from the Old English ‘hangra’ meaning a wooded slope.
Old Litten Lane Petersfield GU32 1AB
Castle Bottom
Measuring only about 20 hectares, this is a patchwork of restored open heathland and woodlands together with some of the most important valley mires (water-logged peat valleys) in southern England.
Eversley Hook RG27 0QA
Martin Down
350 hectares of unspoiled chalk downland where flowers and insects flourish and rare birds sing. The insects are attracted to the ancient sweeping grasslands that have dozens of different species of wildflower.
Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 5RQ
Map and key
Butser Hill
Gravel Hill
Horndean
PO8 0QE
Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve
Cliff Road
Hill Head, Fareham
PO14 3JT
Ashford Hangers
Old Litten Lane
Petersfield
GU32 1AB
Castle Bottom
Eversley
Hook
RG27 0QA
Martin Down
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP5 5RQ
