Biodiversity
A small word that means a lot! It simply means the variety of life.
It includes different kinds of ecosystems, habitats and species
such as plants, animals and insects. It also includes other forms
of life such as fungi, algae and bacteria.
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| A River Ecosystem |
Different Plant Species |
Different Insects |
| The River
Itchen - supporting wetland plants, animals including otter and
watervole, different types of fish, and insects such as
southern damselfly |
A vibrant array of spring
woodland flowers
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A silver washed
fritillary
butterfly
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What Biodiversity is present in Eastleigh Borough?
The borough of Eastleigh may only cover a tiny fraction of the
earth's surface yet it is still very important, particularly for
those that live in it, including all the plants and animals..
Our borough is home to a great variety of different plants and
animals that inhabit our towns, gardens, nature reserves, parks and
farmland. Many are rare, found only in small numbers and in very
specific places such as the otter along the River Itchen and the
dormouse, found in only a few woods. Others are more common such as
hedgehogs, cabbage white butterflies and blackbirds which we can
often see.
Every species, be it common or rare, is an important part of
the Borough's biodiversity.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is a measure of nature's health and thus of our
own health because although we are prone to forget, we are still
very much a part of nature.
Biodiversity is important to conserve and increase
because:-
- It supports life itself. Most species are dependant on others
for their survival in a complex web of life. If one species is lost
others will inevitably follow.
- It provides us with food, medicine, clothing and raw materials
for building and industry.
- It helps maintain the environment, providing all life with
clean air, fresh water and fertile soil.
- It is valuable for local economies as tourism and recreation
are most popular in attractive and wildlife rich areas
- It has a right to be there and is enjoyed by a great many
people.
A Biodiversity Action Plan for Eastleigh
In May 2002, the Eastleigh Biodiversity Partnership
published 'Wild About Eastleigh' a plan that details the
action required over the next few years to enhance the natural
environment in the Borough.
Read more
Habitats in Eastleigh Borough
The whole land surface of Eastleigh borough can be divided up
into different habitats. Habitats range from urban areas to shingle
beaches, woodlands to arable land.
Some habitats are more important to biodiversity than others
because they support a high variety of species or they support rare
species. Click on the links below to find out more about where the
habitats are in the borough and why they are important.
Ancient
semi-natural woodland
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These are woodlands that have been
in existence for at least 400 years and have not been planted by
man, but have instead developed naturally. The trees found in these
woods are mainly oak, ash and beech with the smaller hazel, field
maple and hawthorn growing beneath the larger trees.
About 16% of the land area of the
borough is wooded.50% of the woodland in the borough is planted by
man and composed of conifers or other non-native trees which is not
so important to biodiversity.
Ancient semi-natural woodlands in the borough to visit are Manor
Farm Country Park and Itchen Valley Country Park. Important species
that are found in woodlands are dormouse, lesser-spotted woodpecker
and silver washed fritillary butterfly.
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Unimproved grassland
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These are grasslands that are rich
in flowers and animals because they have not had fertilisers or
herbicides applied to them. About 33% of the land area of the
borough is grassland, of which only 2% is unimproved.
The rest of the grassland is improved, in that it has had
fertilisers and herbicides applied to it.
This has lead to a decrease in the
plant and animals life the grassland contains. Unimproved
grasslands in the borough to visit are Itchen Valley Country Park
Nature Reserve and West Wood.
Important species that are found in
unimproved grasslands are brown hare, skylark and green-winged
orchid.
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Heathland
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Heathland is dominated by heather. It supports many rare species
that are mostly only found in this type of habitat.
Less than 1% of the borough is
heathland and only 20% of the area that was present in 1800 still
remains.Heathlands in the borough to visit are Netley Common and
Hamble Common.
Important species that are found in
heathlands are Dartford warbler, grayling butterfly and
round-leaved sundew.
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Saltmarsh
Saltmarsh is found along the edge of
the sea between dry land and the sea itself. It is covered by the
sea some of the day when the tide goes in and out. Many specialised
species that can tolerate high salt levels are found in saltmarsh
and they are very important for feeding and breeding wetland birds.
Less than 1% of the borough is saltmarsh and over the past century
some has been lost to development along the coast including
marinas. A saltmarsh in the borough to visit is Mercury Marshes
although please note, there is only very limited access here due to
sensitive wildlife being present. Important species that are found
in saltmarsh are marsh-mallow (a plant), brent goose and
dunlin.
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Wetlands
Wetlands are formed where water
levels are high and include reedbeds, swamps, marshes, ponds and
lakes. Specialised animals and plants that are adapted to life in
wetlands are found nowhere else.
Less than 1% of the borough is
wetland and over the past century much has been lost as land has
been drained for agriculture.
Wetlands in the borough to visit are
Lakeside Country Park and Itchen Valley Nature Reserve.
Important species that are found in
wetlands are otter, water vole and reed warbler.
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Chalk rivers
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The River Itchen, that flows through
the north-west corner of the borough is a classic chalk stream,
renowned for its clear waters and variety of wildlife. Much of the
river and its banks are owned and maintained by fishing clubs who
fish for salmon and trout.
Every year, a percentage of the
water is pumped from the river to supply homes and industry. Places
to access the river are along parts of the Itchen Way
Footpath.Important species that are found in chalk rivers are
otter, southern damselfly water vole and Atlantic salmon.
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Page Last Updated: 2/27/2007
Eastleigh Borough Council
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Eastleigh Borough Council, Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YN
Telephone: 023 8068 8068, Fax: 023 8064 3952, Text: 07797 877001
Email:
direct@eastleigh.gov.uk