Ashford Hill National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Ashford Hill NNR consists of a series of low-lying meadows in the valley of a small stream. The meadows have been traditionally managed by grazing and hay-cutting with little, or no, use of fertilisers. Water violet and marsh stitchwort can be found in the permanently waterlogged areas of site, while drier sections support populations of dyer’s greenweed and large thyme. The woodlands support a rich and diverse fauna associated with the large clearings, wide grassy rides and the long margin with the meadows which provide nectar sources for woodland insects, which include 32 species of butterfly, one of which is the purple emperor. The wood hosts five species of fritillaries and is the only known north Hampshire site for the pearl-bordered fritillary, and the only remaining county site for the high brown fritillary. Its northern edge also harbours some rare spiders and beetles. Anthills created by the yellow meadow ant can be seen in drier areas of the reserve.

Location

ASHFORD HILL

About the area

Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.

Area image

Ashford Hill Hampshire Things To Do in Hampshire

Ashford Hill National Nature Reserve

ASHFORD HILL

0300 060 6000

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Ashford Hill National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Ashford Hill NNR consists of a series of low-lying meadows in the valley of a small stream. The meadows have been traditionally managed by grazing and hay-cutting with little, or no, use of fertilisers. Water violet and marsh stitchwort can be found in the permanently waterlogged areas of site, while drier sections support populations of dyer’s greenweed and large thyme. The woodlands support a rich and diverse fauna associated with the large clearings, wide grassy rides and the long margin with the meadows which provide nectar sources for woodland insects, which include 32 species of butterfly, one of which is the purple emperor. The wood hosts five species of fritillaries and is the only known north Hampshire site for the pearl-bordered fritillary, and the only remaining county site for the high brown fritillary. Its northern edge also harbours some rare spiders and beetles. Anthills created by the yellow meadow ant can be seen in drier areas of the reserve.

Location

ASHFORD HILL

About the area

Area image

Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.

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Ashford Hill Hampshire Things To Do in Hampshire