Natural England - Beacon Hill NNR
Beacon Hill NNR
Beacon Hill NNR is a prominent chalk hill at the western end of the South Downs.
County: Hampshire
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 40 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
The reserve contains high quality chalk grassland, with small areas of scrub and woodland.
The NNR's rich downland flora is characterised by sheep's fescue grass, rock rose, scabious, yellow rattle, eyebrights and several species of orchid. Round-headed rampion, field fleawort and hairy-rock cress are also found on the site.
The woodland is mainly mature beech and hazel coppice, with ash found in gaps that have been created by 'windblow'.
Several butterfly species occur in the area, including chalk-hill blue, brown argus, silver-spotted skipper and Duke of Burgundy.
Location and access
Beacon Hill is approximately 5 km to the west of Old Winchester Hill NNR, 1 km west of the A32, mid-way between the town of Warnford and Exton village.
The site can be accessed via minor roads from Warnford and Exton and there is a car park on-site.
The reserve is on section one of the South Downs Way (leading from Winchester to Eastbourne), a foot, cycle and bridle path that forms part of the National Trails network.
The nearest railway station is in Petersfield (10 km to the east) and a regular service is provided by South West Trains.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages. There are information panels on-site and leaflets are available.