Noar Hill Nature Reserve
The perfect location for a picturesque summer walk
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
Visit in summer to see a variety of orchids and butterfliesAbout the reserve
Once the site of medieval chalk workings, this 20 hectare nature reserve is now carpeted with an array of beautiful chalk downland flowers every spring and summer, including juniper and pyramidal orchid. The vibrant flowers and the butterflies that feed on them create an oasis of colour among the surrounding fields of crops. A walk through this unusual and historic landscape is always a fascinating experience with its ridges, banks and hollows that create little niches for all kinds of plants and animals.
Special Features:
- After rainfall in spring and summer, you may be able to investigate the temporary puddles for the rare fairy shrimp, a beautiful translucent crustacean that can survive as an egg when the water dries out.
- Visit after dark in midsummer and you may see a sprinkling of lights from glowworm, a magical wildlife experience.
- Now ideal basking sites for butterflies, the pits are the remains of medieval chalk quarries. Laden carts would be pushed along the drove tracks that can still be seen here.
Species
Contact us
Fiona Haynes
Contact email: fiona.haynes@hiwwt.org.uk