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Wildlife and Conservation

Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. However, it also boasts several significant sites within and around the city boundary that offer a wide variety of plant, animal and conservation interest to both residents and visitors. The Parks Service are responsible for the following wildlife havens:

1.  Portsdown Hill
A wide variety of plants and animals, particularly butterflies, thrive on the chalk grassland and include some species not commonly found elsewhere in Britain. Grassland management is used to enhance the Site of Special Scientific Interest adjacent to Fort Widley

2.  Farlington Triangle
Bordered by hedgerow, the area consists mainly of unimproved marshland east of Farlington playing fields. The lower wetland contains some rare species of marsh flora

3.  Hilsea Lines
Probably the most varied wildlife haven on Portsea Island, this area contains woodland, hedgerows, meadows fresh and brackish water areas, marshland and coastal habitat

4.  Great Salterns
This large open space has changed considerably over the years to cater for the increased needs of sports pitches, golf course, archery range, horse paddocks and allotments. There still remains a significant natural area that is of great wildlife interest

5.  Milton Common
The Common is a large area of reclaimed land that is a valued site for nature conservation and of great amenity value to the local community

6.  Fort Cumberland
The open space surrounding the Fort is composed of many areas of different coastal habitats, each with its own wildlife and species composition

7.  Eastney Beach
Located at the south-eastern point of Portsea Island, Eastney Beach is a large area of coastal turf and shingle vegetation and home to over 100 species of flora

All these sites are, or have part of their area, designated as a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).They are designated as such to increase awareness of their important habitats and ensure continued public contact with nature, despite the urban surroundings of Portsmouth.

Volunteering

Portsdown Hill and Hilsea Lines both offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved with conservation and restoration tasks. You can find out more by clicking on the respective link below.

Grants

Portsmouth City Council also offer a limited number of grants to Conservation Groups who are keen to protect and enhance the valuable natural features here in Portsmouth. If you would like further information on how to apply, please contact us using the link to the right of the page.

Associated documents:

• Langstone Harbour - 'Muddy but Magical'  (0.88 MB)

More information on these sites

Eastney Beach
Great Salterns Field
Hilsea Lines
Milton Common
Portsdown Hill

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