Biodiversity Action Plan

Biodiversity is such a wonderful asset to those of us who live, work and visit the district; partly through its ability to help reduce the impacts of climate change but also for the range of benefits it provides. Sadly we are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate and the council is determined to do what it can to help protect, enhance and restore biodiversity. We have therefore produced this action plan which sets out our strategic approach going forward.

The three parts of the Biodiversity Action Plan

Part 1 – the main document which includes the reasons why we need a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), some facts and figures on how biodiversity is faring, the key aims of the Plan; how it fits with other plans and work; and how the plan will be delivered.

Part 2 – fact sheets on 22 key species and four key habitats which are included in the BAP and are the main focus for our work. The sheets include a photo of the species or habitat, a map showing its known locations and some ideas as to what you can do to help support biodiversity.

Part 3 – a summary action plan detailing the key actions the Council will be doing in 2021 to help protect, enhance and recreate biodiversity on its own land holdings and through its work programmes.

If you would like a hard copy of the document please contact naturalenvironment@winchester.gov.uk

Now the plan has been written and launched the real work will start – the delivery of over 60 actions in 2021 alone by the council.

However we know there is more needed than we alone can deliver so we look forward with working with others over the next five years to make a real difference on the ground.

BAP Update July 2023

Topfield, Kingsworthy

Our biodiversity officers have been checking our hazel dormice boxes and they were thrilled to find this male dormouse making a cosy home for himself. Hazel dormice are threatened with extinction but we are lucky enough to have them in the Winchester district in Kings Worthy.

Biodiversity Officer Zoe said, “Dormice are good indicators of animal and plant diversity so habitats which benefit dormice are also good for woodland birds, bats and butterflies. Because dormice are protected, we are trained and hold licences allowing us to do these surveys.”

West Hill Cemetery

An image from a recent visit to West Hill Cemetery, which we manage – the cemetery has lots of pyramidal orchids in flower. The cemetery is cut just twice a year, very carefully around the graves, in order to allow lots of wildflower species to flourish.

Whiteshute Ridge - Summer 2023

Five years on since Winchester City Council took management of this important open space, the species-rich chalk grassland is looking fantastic and full of wildlife. The grazing management is working wonders and three of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s British White cattle can be expected back on site in November.

Vegetation Survey

A baseline survey was carried out by Belinda Wheeler in 2017. The grassland was found to be reasonably diverse with 79 species recorded including 16 positive indicator species, although at least half of these were limited to just a few individuals. Since 2017 the recommendations in this report, chiefly the introduction of cattle grazing, have been followed to
promote the establishment of more wildflower species. Cattle create poached and trampled areas of land which adds variety to grassland swards. Taking the cattle off in the summer months allow flowers to grow and set seed.