Chalk Stream Wildlife

Here's a gallery of some of the wild creatures that make their homes in the chalk streams of the Upper Itchen.

Follow the links to find out more !

Daubenton's Bat

Look out for the Daubenton's bat foraging over wetlands across the UK at twilight. Its flight is fast and agile as it skims the water's surface for insect-prey.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/mammals/daubentons-bat

Otter

The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/mammals/european-otter

Kingfisher

Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher! This beautiful bird is easy to recognise thanks to its bright blue and metallic copper colours. It darts along the riverbank or sits patiently on a low branch over the water waiting for its next meal to swim by.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/birds/woodpeckers-cuckoo-kingfisher-and-waxwing/kingfisher

Mayfly

Also known as the 'green drake mayfly', the common mayfly can be found around unpolluted wetlands, such as lakes and rivers. It has transparent, lacy wings and three long 'tails'.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/other-insects/common-mayfly

Water Vole

The water vole is under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by the American mink. Found along our waterways, it is similar-looking to the brown rat, but with a blunt nose, small ears and furry tail.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/mammals/water-vole

White-clawed Crayfish

The White-clawed crayfish is a freshwater, bronze-coloured crustacean with pale undersides to its claws - hence the name. It is under threat from an invasive and introduced species of crayfish.www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/crustacea-centipedes-and-millipedes/white-clawed-crayfish

Brown Trout

A fierce predator of small fish and flying insects, the brown trout is widespread in our freshwater rivers. It is has a golden body, flanked with pale-ringed, dark spots.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/freshwater-fish/brown-trout

Ranunculus (Water Crowfoot)

A member of the buttercup family, Common water-crowfoot displays white, buttercup-like flowers with yellow centres. It can form mats in ponds, ditches and streams during spring and summer.www.hiwwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/common-water-crowfoot

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