 It is easy to forget in this tranquil spot that the bustling city centre is a short walk away. Winnall Moors has the renowned and beautiful River Itchen flowing throughout its length, providing much needed water for the wet grasslands, reedbeds and ponds.
Work started in September 2008 to improve access and restore habitats across the reserve. For more information on the project and how to volunteer, go to Winnall Moors Restoration.
Wildlife Features at Winnall Moors - In July the rare Green-flowered Helleborine is found under Willow trees in the southern part of the site.
- The River Itchen has distinctive plant life such as water crowfoot and Lesser Water-parsnip. On its banks Purple Loosestrife, yellow flag and various sedges provide cover, which is used in spring by nesting birds such as little grebe, mute swan and Mallard.
- The tall fen in the southern end of the reserve are dominated by common reed and reed canary grass interspersed with Fleabane, Meadowsweet and Fen Bedstraw. Here, amongst the reeds in spring, Reed and Sedge warblers breed in large numbers.
- Southern marsh orchids are plentiful among the yellow rattle, eyebright and fen bedstraw of the northern hay meadows.
- Unusually for a chalk stream the Itchen has many different species of breeding dragon and damselfly including the Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter and banded demoiselles.
- In winter Gadwall and Wigeon can by found on the open water and snipe over the wet pasture.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust also manages a number of other reserves across the Winchester District including St Catherine's Hill. ST CATHERINE'S HILL
 A 58 hectare flower-rich chalk grassland with an abundance of wild flowers and butterflies. This is a great place to enjoy wildlife, ancient monuments and the most spectacular views over Winchester, the Itchen Valley and the surrounding countryside. St Catherine's Hill is a fabulous place to enjoy a summer walk and picnic. The site has been owned by Winchester College for about 130 years and has been been managed by the Wildlife Trust for over a decade.
Wildlife Features at St Catherine's Hill - Short downland turf rich in wildflowers or herbs such as bird's-foot trefoil, salad burnet and dropwort. A square metre of turf will contain over 20 different flowers, which are at their best during May - July.
- Delicate orchids such as musk orchid, frog orchid and autumn lady's tresses can be found on the south facing hill slope through the summer.
- There are over 25 different butterfly species that breed on the site. Most striking are the marbled white seen in July, and the numerous chalkhill blue and brown argus during July and August.
 The Trust is reliant on its hundreds of volunteers and thousands of members and supporters.
There are many ways in which you can help the Trust.
If you would like to get involved in the Trust or just want to find out more inormation, visit their website at www.hwt.org.uk
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