Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Ashford Hangers NNR, near Petersfield, forms part of the mainly wooded escarpment where the Hampshire chalk plateau meets the lower Weald. One of Hampshire’s most beautiful woodland areas, these 323 acres of beech hanger are made up of a series of hills running east from Stoner to Wheatham, offering magnificent views over the surrounding area. The name ‘Hanger’ comes from the Old English hangra meaning a wooded slope, and make an important contribution to the wooded character of the area. Among the birds of prey found on the Hangers are raven, buzzard, sparrowhawk, kestrel, hobby, red kite and tawny owl while little egret, kingfisher, bullfinch, pied and spotted flycatcher, hawfinch and bullfinch can be seen by the streams and in woodland. Butterflies include purple emperor, silver-washed fritillary (whose caterpillars rely on violets as their food plant), white admiral, white letter hairstreak, ringlet, marbled white, chalk hill blue and Essex and small skipper.
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.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The White Hart, South Harting
The White Hart in South Harting is a 16th-century inn with an abundance of character. Within the South Downs National Park & well located for anyone walking the South Downs Way. Located...
The Thomas Lord
The Thomas Lord is named after the founder of Lord's Cricket Ground who is buried in the nearby churchyard. It’s a charming country pub with delightful gardens in the lovely village of ...
Two Hoots Glamping, Caravan Park & Campsite
Two Hoots Glamping, Caravan Park & Campsite is a small, very peaceful adults-only campsite offering spacious, grassy pitches for caravans and tents in a rural hilltop location close to ...
Wallops Wood Cottages
Award winning converted cottages in tranquil location in the South Downs National Park, Wallops Wood is a year-round base for walking, cycling and sightseeing. The cottages incorporate ...
Teal Cottage
As well as being dog friendly, Teal Cottage offers guests accessible holiday accommodation. Bring the whole family, including the dog, and make memories to treasure at Wallops Wood. Tea...
Hamilton Arms
The Hamilton Arms Suites is a large characterful country pub, with Niva Thai, a popular Thai restaurant, and modern spacious rooms, in the picturesque village of Stedham. The bedrooms a...
Keepers & The Old Stables at West Marden Farm
Keepers is the perfect place to relax and recharge in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in a Sussex downland village. Located on a working arable farm, the property is perfectly pla...
Barley Cottage at West Marden Farm
Barley Cottage is a single-storey property located at the entrance to a beautiful traditional Sussex farm. Fully refurbished, guests can enjoy the original features of its beamed and fl...
