Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve
Location: Elvetham Heath, near Fleet
Grid Reference: SU 805558
Access: By foot, bicycle, bus, train, car (see below)
Terrain: Gravel paths and boardwalks, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles
Facilities: Easy access trail, on-site interpretation
The nature reserve at Elvetham Heath is an important part of the newly established community and is managed by Hart's Countryside Service. The reserve opened to the public in October 2002 and was then declared a 'Local Nature Reserve' in the summer of 2003. It joins a network of more than 800 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) across the country. LNRs encourage community participation and give people the opportunity to have easy and direct contact with the nature that is right on their doorstep.
The reserve, which is 19.5 hectares (48 acres) in size, is a heathland restoration project. To create the reserve, land that was previously forestry plantation was partially cleared, pathways put down, boardwalks 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 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 the 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 to control the grasses and young saplings, allowing specialist heathland plants to flourish. Livestock have been on site for three summers now and 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. Dogs should be kept under close control as stated in the countryside code.
The reserve has excellent pathways and boardwalks over the wet areas, making access easy. All gates are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. If you visit the site you can see birds, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, wildflowers and reptiles throughout the year.
Guided walks, volunteer days, school groups, team-building volunteer days and specialised visits or talks can all be arranged with the site Ranger. See contact details of how to get in touch.
Access: 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 (approx. 10-15 mins walk away). A footbridge across to Elvetham Heath is now open from Elvetham Road. By car, from the M3, take J4a and follow local roads to Elvetham Heath. The nature reserve is next to the village pond near Morrisons Supermarket. Parking is available at the Community Centre (approx. distance 500m away).
The Botanist Mr Chris Hall carried out a full botanical survey during the summer of 2006.
