Nature Conservation

A service is provided which aims to conserve the natural environment of the Borough including the countryside, coast and open spaces by:

Advising the Council on the nature conservation implications of development in the context of national and international wildlife legislation, including the Council's own activities
Ensuring that adequate data is available to the Council in its role as Local Planning Authority
Developing policy and projects and engaging in partnerships to enable the Council to meet its Corporate Aims and Objectives
Developing opportunities and projects that promote environmental education in the community

Although some wildlife habitats have been lost in recent years as a result of development and agricultural practice, there are still many areas of importance to nature conservation; such areas are protected through the policies of the Fareham Borough Local Plan Review. Wherever possible, opportunities will also be taken to extend the range and diversity of natural habitats and create improved habitats on areas of public open space. Where appropriate, the Borough Council will attach conditions to planning permissions or seek the completion of legal agreements, for example, to secure the provision of protective measures or the replacement of habitats or features lost to development. Fareham has a wide range of habitats which are protected by nature conservation designations arising from International, European and National legislation as well as local schemes in Hampshire.

Some of the sites are of International Nature Conservation importance and are subject to special controls: the classified Portsmouth Harbour Special Protection Area and Ramsar site; the candidate Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation; and the classified Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site. Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), known as "European Sites", are designated under legislation which is intended to ensure the long-term protection of certain species and habitats. Ramsar Sites are designated under an international convention to protect wetlands of international importance (identified under the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat).

There are six Nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) some of which have additional designations as internationally important sites; Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary; Portsmouth Harbour; Titchfield Haven; Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods; Downend Chalk Pit; and Portsdown Hill. There are also four nature reserves: the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, the Hook-with-Warsash Local Nature Reserve, the Swanwick Nature Reserve and the newly designated Kites Croft Local Nature Reserve. With the exception of Swanwick, the nature reserves are all covered by national or international designations.

There are many sites that are important for nature conservation but are not covered by statutory national and international designations. In Hampshire, they are defined as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC); there are over 80 such sites in the Borough including ancient woodlands, grassland, heathland, coastal and wetland habitats, and sites which support notable species. The Borough Council will also seek to protect other sites which are of nature conservation value but which are not designated as SINCs.

In addition to the protection of statutory and non-statutory sites, certain wild plants and animals, and their habitats (including all wild birds, badgers and bats) are protected by their own national legislation.

The Department of Planning and Transportation undertakes a range of activities aimed at safeguarding the nature conservation interest of the borough. For example the Ecologist provides advice to Development Control and planning applicants on the nature conservation implications of development proposals. This enables appropriate safeguards or mitigation measures to be incorporated into planning permissions. Advice on nature conservation management is also available to groups and individuals interested in conserving their local environment. Educational and interpretation activities, including guided walks and illustrated talks, are undertaken to enable people to gain a greater understanding of the natural environment and the issues affecting it. Whilst advice is available to schools on the management and enhancement of their grounds, a small number of grants are also available to help with specific projects.

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan, has been produced for Fareham Borough. For further information please contact the Ecologist in the Department of Planning and Transportation on Tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.