Conservation

The County of Hampshire is a large, well populated county whose access network is under considerable, and rising, pressure from both residents and visitors. Land use is diverse, from the heavily populated conurbations along the south east coast to the rolling countryside of the north. Hampshire has approximately 3,000 miles of rights of way, as well as countryside sites, country parks, the New Forest and access provided by the National Trust, English Heritage and others. The 15 major rivers also provide an important recreational and conservation resource, along with the 70 miles of coastline. 

All conservation organisations want you to enjoy your visit to the countryside, but access must always be balanced against its effects on plant and animal life.

A large percentage of the county is designated for its landscape, conservation or recreational value both nationally and locally. There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Hampshire and 13% of the county is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest with 90% of these SSSI's having European importance. Other designations include National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves, Special Interest for Nature Conversation sites and country parks. Consultation is currently taking place on the potential creation of a New Forest National Park and a South Downs National Park.