Nature

Local Wildlife

This section is designed for local observations and photographs.

	Baby hedgehogs in late June. Unfortunately they had been abandoned and were in danger of hypothermia (even in June!).
	Bluebells in Spring. Taken in the local woods.
	Swallows just leaving the nest for the first time. 16th July 2005.
Unusual sight on the Village Walk - September 2005. Caused by a wasp the ‘briar ball’, ‘Moss-gall’ or ‘Robins pincushion’ can be seen on the Dog-rose (Rosa canina) and Field-rose (Rosa arvensis). They used to be used by apothecaries as remedies for colic and as a diuretic.
Pictorial representation of the variety of mammals found in peoples gardens. (Data c1999).
Local pressure readings from 1999
Local rainfall readings from 1999
Local temperature readings from 1999

Stratfield Turgis SINCs

Some of the Parish’s large woodland blocks are identified as SINCs (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation). They consist of  ancient semi-natural woodland. (Ancient woodlands have a continuous history of woodland cover since at least the year 1600). These sites are our richest habitats for woodland plants and animals.

The SINCs are shown outlined in green, the ancient woodland in red. The two main areas are:

Turgis Green – agriculturally unimproved grassland (grassland composed of mainly indigenous species allowed to develop without major use of chemicals or fertiliser). It is also a site supporting a flora and fauna characteristic of waterlogged conditions.

River Loddon – The whole River is a SINC supporting a number of important species. See also Environment Agency information for the River Loddon here.

What is a SINC?

The identification of an area as a SINC (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) is a non statutory designation, unlike Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and does not impose restrictions on normal agricultural/forestry operations. Nor does it allow public access where none already exists.

SINCs are identified using data gathered from a variety of sources. These may include biological surveys (conducted with owners permission) or documents such as the inventory of ancient woodland for Hampshire.

They are assessed against detailed criteria developed by Hants County Council, English Nature and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

A SINC may qualify for notification due to the presence of notable species and habitats or the richness and variety of wildlife it supports.

Over 3000 sites have been identified in Hampshire, including ancient woodlands, old meadows, chalk downland, heathland and wetland.

Detailed information on individual SINCS is held by Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre and is available to all SINC owners/managers. Free advice is available to SINC owners/managers

Government requires Local Authorities to have due regard for SINCs in Local Plans and to steer harmful development away from SINCs.