Butser Hill NNR
Butser Hill NNR is a large area of chalk grassland in Hampshire.
County: Hampshire
Main habitats: Woodland, Lowland Grassland
Area: 231 Ha
Link to site map: Nature on the Map
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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.
Part of the site lies within the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, run by Hampshire County Council.
The site consists of improved and unimproved calcareous grassland with scattered scrub, chalk heath, yew woodland and semi-ancient broadleaved woodland.
The site has a very rich bryophyte and lichen flora with over 200 lichen, moss and liverwort species being recorded in the chalk grassland.
Over 30 butterfly species have been sighted here including the Duke of Burgundy fritillary, silver-spotted skipper and chalkhill blue.
As the highest point on the South Downs, Butser Hill dominates the surrounding landscape. A large area is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument reflecting its historical significance, particularly in the Iron and Bronze Ages.
BioBlitz event 2013
Queen Elizabeth Country park, of which Butser Hill is part, is holding a 24 hour BioBlitz on 10 - 11 August 2013, from 4pm - 4pm. Activities include pond dipping, craft activities and wildlife walks.
For more information including directions, go to the Hampshire County Council website.
Location and access
Butser Hill is 6 km south of Petersfield, less than 0.5 km west of the A3. By car, access to the site is via minor roads from the A3. There is a car park on the reserve near Butser Hill and others in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
The nearest train station is in Petersfield.
From Petersfield a number of bus companies operate services along the A3. Go to the Travel Search website for details.
The reserve is near the route of Regional Route 89 (South Downs Way) and East Hampshire AONB cycleway, parts of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
The reserve is also crossed by a major trail, the South Downs Way.
Facilities
The Queen Elizabeth Country Park is open all year and the nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are within the Park.
The Park's visitor centre, shop and cafe are open weekends only from March to November, and all week from April to October. The main facilities are fully accessible to disabled visitors.
A pay and display system operates for all vehicles, though orange badge holders can park for free.
Pre-booking is required for visiting groups and survey work.
