Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve

Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve and adjoining open spaces are very popular and experience high visitor numbers. In July 2010 Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve and adjoining open spaces were given a prestigious Green Flag Award. Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks and open spaces in the country and Elvetham Heath stood out after impressing the judges with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security. Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve is now officially one of the best sites in the UK. For more information on Green Flag please visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org

The reserve, which is 19.5 hectares (48 acres) in size, is a heathland restoration project. To create the reserve, land which was previously forestry plantation was partially cleared, pathways put down, board walks built over wet areas and fencing erected. Hart Countryside Service is trying to encourage the reserve to revert back to its previous condition as an area of wet and humid heathland through traditional habitat management techniques. Not only is the heathland the historic habitat of the area, but it is also one of the world's rarest habitats and an important place for wildlife.

The characteristic heathland plants such as heather and gorse are regenerating naturally at the site and a mosaic of habitats are emerging alongside this heathland. There are wet areas of reeds and rushes, as well as natural wet woodland dominated by willow, alder and the rare plant Bog Myrtle.

As part of the management of the reserve rare breed cattle graze the site during the drier summer months. Grazing helps control the grasses and young samplings, allowing specialist heathland plants to flourish. Livestock can usually be seen at the reserve between the months of June and September. They are compatible with public use and pose no threat to people or their dogs.

If you visit the site you have a good chance of seeing many of our woodland and heathland birds, a variety of butterflies and dragonflies, wild flowers and several mammal species including rabbits and Roe Deer.

• Parking is available at Elvetham Heath Community Centre.
• The site can be accessed from Elvetham Heath Way on foot from local facilities, local bus routes to Elvetham Heath, by rail to Fleet train station. By car leave the M3 at Junction 4a and follow local roads to Elvetham Heath. The nature reserve is next to the village pond near Morrison's Supermarket.
• The reserve has excellent pathways and board walks over the wet areas making access easy.
• One pub and a supermarket are in close proximity
• It is designated a Local Nature Reserve due to its many species of dragonflies and heathland plants.
• Dogs must be kept under close control due to wildlife and cattle.
• All gates are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles.

For your enjoyment and safety in this public open space please:

Consider other people
Showing consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a pleasant environment for everyone – at home, at work and at play.

Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
We have a responsibility to protect our countryside now and for
future generations, so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants, or trees.

Keep dogs under close control
The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s
duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to animals, wildlife or other people and their dogs.

We are sorry there is NO FISHING in this pond – please contact countryside@hart>gov.uk for more details about fishing at Fleet Pond