Natural England - Martin Down NNR
Martin Down NNR
The reserve is home to an exceptional collection of plants and animals associated with chalk downland and scrub habitats. These include a number of rare and threatened species.
County: Hampshire
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 342 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Martin Down NNR is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and the Hampshire County Council.
To view a map of this reserve, click here 
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Notable plants found in the area include bastard toadflax, field fleawort, early gentian and lesser centaury. Twelve orchid species have also been identified, including burnt-tip, green-winged, greater butterfly and frog.
Five bat species have been recorded in the area: noctule, serotine, brown long-eared, common and soprano pipistrelle; and brown hare is found throughout the site. Birds found at Martin Down include turtledove, grey partridge, nightingale, skylark, yellowhammer and linnet. Hobby and quail may also be encountered and Montagu’s harrier and stone-curlew sometimes visit the site.
Many butterflies can be seen on the down including varieties of skipper, blue and fritillary. Duke of Burgundy is also recorded on the site. Notable moths include the narrow-bordered bee hawk, small eggar and forester species. The site is also home to many other insects, for instance twelve bumblebee species including the rare brown-banded carder bee.
A massive linear prehistoric earthwork, the Bokerley Dyke can be seen on the down and the whole area is rich in archaeological features.
Location and access
The reserve is 14 km south west of Salisbury, 1 km west of Martin village. The northern part of the site is crossed by the A354.
By car, access to the site is via the A354 and minor roads leading from it. There is a car park on the A354 and another at the end of Sillens Lane, a minor road from the village of Martin, 1 km east of the reserve.
The nearest train station is in Salisbury and bus services from Salisbury along the A354 are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company.
A path, the Jubilee Trail, crosses the site.
Facilities
There are village shops at Coombe Bissett and Sandleheath, and pubs at Damerham and Cashmoor.
Information panels and leaflets are provided for visitor information.