Hampshire's mosaic of habitats includes...

• ancient woodlands
• wildflower meadows
• heathlands
• chalk downland
• river valleys
• coastal habitats
• the New Forest - the greatest area of 'semi-wilderness' left in lowland England

Together these habitats support an exceptionally varied flora and fauna. For each priority habitat, detailed habitat action plans have been prepared. The purpose of the these is to both reflect UK objectives for habitats of particular conservation concern as well as to set appropriate local targets.

Hampshire is very rich in a wide range of species due to a number of factors...

• the merging of two climatic zones
• the county's situation on the coast
• the broad extent and stability of a considerable range of habitats
• the New Forest

An audit of species in Hampshire identified 493 priority species.

Conservation action for most of Hampshire's priority species can be achieved through management of the associated habitat.

Species action plans have been written for those species not sufficiently catered for in relevant habitat action plans.

• 22% of Hampshire is designated for nature conservation

Britain's most valuable wildlife habitats - designated as 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSIs) - cover 14% of the county, about twice the national average.

Many of these areas are also important internationally.

A further 9% of Hampshire is covered by local wildlife sites or 'Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation' (SINCs).

The Solent is an area rich in biodiversity with a number of coastal and marine habitats...

• maritime cliffs
• rocky shores
• saline lagoons
• saltmarsh
• sand dunes
• sea-grass beds/intertidal flats
• vegetated shingle

These support many plants and animals including mammals, fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles.

The Solent is covered by three county level coastal biodiversity action plans, including Hampshire.

Some areas are recognised for their internationally important habitats and species. These include the 'Solent European Marine Site' (SEMS), which covers the harbours, estuaries, areas of open coast and inshore water around the Solent. To the south of the Isle of Wight there is also a 'Special Area of Conservation' (SAC) known as the 'South Wight European Marine Site' (SWEMS).

Non-native invasive species can be introduced into an area where they are able to out-compete native species. Such species often have no natural predators and can impact negatively on the functioning and diversity of an ecosystem.

Examples include...

• North American mink (Mustela vison) - thought to be largely responsible for the dramatic decline of water vole (Arvicola terrestris) in the UK
• Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) - a vigorous perennial plant that suppresses the growth of native species and can cause structural damage
• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) - an annual plant often found along riverbanks and ditches.

A project in the New Forest has been established to specifically tackle invasive plants, such is their threat to the area's important biodiversity.

There is a wealth of guidance and information available nationally on how to appropriately deal with these problematic species.