Birds
Wetlands such as wet woodland, flower-rich fen and wet grassland depend on a supply of clean water and high water levels and once occurred widely alongside chalk rivers.
Birds such as lapwing, redshank and snipe need these wetlands for nesting and feeding. As wetlands have disappeared, often due to drainage and intensive agriculture, these birds have been lost from their traditional breeding areas. There are many initiatives targeted at floodplains to encourage these birds back. More information about these DEFRA Agri Environment Schemes can be found on their website.
The kingfisher is considered the jewel of chalk rivers - look out for its brilliant flash of blue. The clean, clear waters of the River Itchen are home to an abundance of small fish and insect life on which kingfishers feed. They make their nests in the banks of streams and, although not easy to see, they are quite common up and down the river. Other birds you may see along Hampshire’s chalk rivers include the little grebe, grey wagtail and coot.
