Portsmouth’s parks, gardens and open spaces support a wide range of wildlife. This page explains the different habitats you can find across the city and how they are managed to support nature alongside public use.
Celebrating the wilder side of Portsmouth100
In 2026, Portsmouth marks 100 years since becoming a city. As part of this centenary year, the council has created 100 new wildlife habitats across parks and open spaces between 2025 and 2026.
Key habitats in Portsmouth
You can find several important habitats across Portsmouth, including:
Portsmouth Harbour and Langstone Harbour
These harbours are internationally important for wintering birds, such as geese and waders. Mudflats, saltmarshes and eelgrass beds provide feeding and resting areas.
Eastney Beach
A shingle beach that supports rare coastal plants adapted to this environment.
Wetlands and ponds – Baffins Pond and Tangier Field
These areas combine formal parkland with natural pond habitats and support a range of bird species.
Woodland – Hilsea Lines
Hilsea Lines includes meadows, woodland, freshwater and brackish habitats. This makes it one of the most diverse wildlife areas on Portsea Island.
Grassland – Portsdown Hill
Portsdown Hill is a chalk grassland Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It supports a wide range of plants and wildlife.
Nature on the move
In a city environment, wildlife can struggle to move safely between green spaces. Roads, buildings and hard surfaces can make it harder for animals to find food, water, shelter and nesting sites.
During 2025 and 2026, the Parks and Countryside Services team created 100 new habitats across the city’s parks and green spaces.
These habitats have been supported by council staff and local volunteers who help with practical conservation work across the city.
Wildlife corridors
Each habitat helps to support wildlife by connecting green spaces and creating safer routes, known as wildlife corridors.
Examples include native wildflower areas that support pollinating insects, or hedgerows that provide shelter and nesting spaces for birds.
A balance of different habitats helps wildlife survive and thrive in an urban environment.
Placing the right habitat in the right location also helps plants and animals adapt to challenges such as development, climate change, pests and disease.
You may notice new or changing habitat areas in your local parks and open spaces. These are planned and managed as part of long‑term work to support nature in the city.
These habitats are permanent and will continue to benefit wildlife for many years.
Find out more
If you would like to get involved in supporting wildlife in Portsmouth, you can:
- find out more about wildlife in Portsmouth
- become a conservation volunteer through Hive Portsmouth
- follow Nature of Portsmouth on Instagram for updates from the city’s parks and open spaces