North Solent National Nature Reserve

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Overview

North Solent NNR in the New Forest National Park is one of the larger nature reserves in Hampshire, covering 820 hectares. It consists of heathland, valley mires and ancient oak woodlands which meet coastal habitats along the Beaulieu river estuary. The coastal grazing marsh, associated coastal habitats and heathlands are a great place to see some of our country’s rarest bird species, as well as visiting migrants and a variety of raptors. In spring, breeding lapwing can be seen tumbling over the grassland, and avocets are marking out their territories. Other not-so-conspicuous species include redshank, skylark and a host of warblers, all bringing their individual songs to the reserve. Throughout summer and autumn there is an opportunity to see dragonflies and butterflies such as the pearl-bordered fritillary. As winter approaches, 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.

Location

Bucklers Hard

About the area

Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.