Prescombe Down National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Prescombe Down NNR is a botanically rich downland site consisting of a deep valley (or coombe) system eroded into the chalk. The reserve is best known for its species-rich chalk grassland and resident population of the iconic Wiltshire chalk downland butterfly, the Adonis blue. Other rare butterflies include the marsh fritillary, the grizzled skipper and downland birds such as the skylark. Early in spring, Prescombe Down is one of the few places where the rare purple early gentian can be seen in large numbers. Later in the summer the yellows of horseshoe vetch, rock rose, bird’s foot trefoil and kidney vetch cover whole areas of the hillside, interrupted by the occasional orchid. The dark purples of devil’s bit scabious emerge later in summer. In most years, the Adonis blue butterfly is seen twice, first in June and again in August. This butterfly can only survive in areas where horseshoe vetch grows in short grassland.

Location

West End

About the area

Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.

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West End Wiltshire Things To Do in Wiltshire

Prescombe Down National Nature Reserve

West End

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Prescombe Down National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Prescombe Down NNR is a botanically rich downland site consisting of a deep valley (or coombe) system eroded into the chalk. The reserve is best known for its species-rich chalk grassland and resident population of the iconic Wiltshire chalk downland butterfly, the Adonis blue. Other rare butterflies include the marsh fritillary, the grizzled skipper and downland birds such as the skylark. Early in spring, Prescombe Down is one of the few places where the rare purple early gentian can be seen in large numbers. Later in the summer the yellows of horseshoe vetch, rock rose, bird’s foot trefoil and kidney vetch cover whole areas of the hillside, interrupted by the occasional orchid. The dark purples of devil’s bit scabious emerge later in summer. In most years, the Adonis blue butterfly is seen twice, first in June and again in August. This butterfly can only survive in areas where horseshoe vetch grows in short grassland.

Location

West End

About the area

Area image

Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.

Explore Wiltshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)

West End Wiltshire Things To Do in Wiltshire