Biodiversity in Swindon

Swindon was formerly part of Wiltshire, but since 1997 Swindon has been a Unitary Authority, and has very different concerns and pressures to those of Wiltshire as a whole.  Most of the population of Swindon lives in the urban area, which is in quite a contrast to the predominantly rural districts of Wiltshire.  Swindon is one of the fastest growing towns in Europe, and pressures on the urban fringe are intense.  However, it is extremely important to take wildlife conservation into account as part of the development process, as the landscape surrounding Swindon is of exceptional wildlife value.

Pictures: (left) View of Swindon from Wroughton (c) WWT (right) Pressures on the rural fringe - green winged orchids next to a new housing development

The natural environment within Swindon Borough is one of contrasts, with steep chalk downland escarpments, leading to low lying floodplains.  The chalk grassland ridge along which the ancient ridgeway runs, forms part of the southern boundary of Swindon Borough.  To the north, the boundary is formed as the Thames runs through its floodplain.  The land between these features is divided into three Natural Areas:
- The Thames and Avon Vale
- The Midvale Ridge
- The Marlborough Downs

Each Natural Area has a distinct physical geography that provides a setting for a distinct flora and fauna to develop and flourish.

These habitats have experienced many varied pressures in recent decades, including development and agricultural intensification, but within the Borough 88 sites still remain that are regarded as County Wildlife Sites (CWS).  Some sites such as Coate Water, Hinton Parva and Bincknoll Dip are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  These are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and contain plants and animals of national importance.

Download a map illustrating the best remaining areas for wildlife in Swindon >

In addition to the Sites of Special Scientific Interest and County Wildlife Sites described above, there are three ecologically important rivers and four Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), and the Great Western Community Forest covers the whole of the Borough.  Swindon is home to numerous nationally rare and protected species, including water voles, otters, bats and great crested newts. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan lists 382 priority species, each with its own Species Action Plan.  23 of these are known to occur in Swindon, and are shown in the table below.  Among the most important habitats found in the Borough are chalk downland and neutral meadow.  This is a natural heritage of which any part of the UK could be justly proud.

The listing the 23 UK BAP Priority Species that are found in Swindon Borough