River Test is an SSSI

The River Test is one of the world’s most precious chalk streams. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is a formal conservation designation. An SSSI typically applies to an area that is of particular interest to science and to the rare species of fauna and flora it contains. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are designated by Natural England, which is responsible for protecting England’s natural environment. Designation as an SSSI gives legal protection to the most important wildlife and geological sites.

There are just 200 chalk streams in the world, and 85% of them can be found in the South and South East of England. The River Test is arguably the best known and most valued of them all. It has a total length of 40 miles, flowing from its source near the village of Ashe to Southampton where it converges with the River Itchen to form Southampton Water. The whole river is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

The River Test has a rich diversity in flora and fauna: over 100 species of flowering plant have been recorded along its banks with over 200 types of invertebrates in the river. It is arguably the best and most important trout river in the world and is also important for its birdlife, with breeding species including kingfishers, little grebes and grey wagtails. For further information, look at the attached document and look at this site: https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S2000170&SiteName=river%20test&countyCode=19&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea=