Wiltshire's Wildlife

Wiltshire has a rich diversity of habitats, and this is reflected in the wide variety of species found in the county. 191 of the species on the UK BAP Priority List are known to be found within Wiltshire, and the county is a stronghold for many of these. For example the population of Marsh Fritillary found on Salisbury plain is of national and European importance. Wiltshire is also of particular importance for several species groups, including farmland birds, calcareous and woodland butterflies, bees and bats.

Birds of particular note on farmlands are Quail, Grey Partridge, Yellow Wagtails and Tree Sparrows and it is not uncommon to see the Barn Owl hunting in fields in the evening. Salisbury Plain also supports several endangered species including the Linnet, Skylark and the remarkable Stone Curlew.

Wiltshire’s butterfly fauna is one of the richest in Britain with 47 species known to have bred in the county. Scarce and extremely local species are the Silver-spotted Skipper, Silver-studded Blue, Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Grayling.

Wiltshire supports a huge variety of different species of mammals; some are protected species such as the Brown Hare and Dormouse. The county also boasts 13 different species of bats which can be found especially in old mine workings such as Box Mines SSSI. Otters are slowly making their way back into Wiltshire’s rivers and Water Voles also live along stretches of canals and rivers but are still under threat.

A very impressive diversity of orchid species can be found in Wiltshire. Many large, localised populations exist on the chalk grasslands and are evidence of the good health of the county; Bee Orchid, Bird’s Nest Orchid, Burnt Orchid, Fragrant Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Early Marsh Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid and Pyramidal Orchid to name a few. There are also some orchids that can be found in woodlands such as the Early Purple Orchid.

By using the links opposite you can find out about the different flora and fauna (plants and animals) that can be found throughout Wiltshire, when the best time to see them is, identification tips and where they can be seen. Some plants and animals can be seen in many different habitats they are able to survive in various conditions; others are specialised and can only survive in particular habitats.

Some information taken from the Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).