National Sites

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

SSSIs are sites of national importance designated by English Nature under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to protect flora, fauna, geological or physiological features of special interest.

Sites in Gosport

Portsmouth Harbour

Portsmouth Harbour is also a Special Protection Area and Ramsar site and so is of international importance.  The area contains a number of important habitats including inter-tidal mudflats and marshes which support internationally important wetland bird species.

Portsmouth Harbour SSSI information (Natural England) 

Gilkicker Lagoon

Gilkicker Lagoon is a saline lagoon which is a rare habitat in Britain.  It supports specialised flora and fauna including several national rarities.  This site is also a Ramsar site as well as a Special Area of Conservation.

Gilkicker Lagoon SSSI information (Natural England) 

Browndown Range

Browndown Range is an extensive shingle beach with areas of rare grass heath habitat supporting specialised plants and invertebrates.

Browndown SSSI information (Natural England) 

The Wildgrounds

The Wildgrounds is largely an acid oakwood, a type of habitat which was formerly widespread on coastal commons in Hampshire.  The area is a Local Nature Reserve.

The Wildgrounds SSSI Information (Natural England) 

Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary

Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary includes the coastline at Lee-on-the-Solent which is important for geological reasons, particularly for bird fossils.

Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary SSSI information (Natural England)