Visitors are struck by the abundance and colours of trees, shrubs and early flowers in spring, including the uncommon green hellebore and waves of bluebells in April and May. As you view the stunning scenery, your ears are bombarded by birdsong.

In the height of summer, the reserve is buzzing with butterflies, hoverflies, bees, hornets, dragonflies and damselflies. Flowering plants thrive with aromatic marjoram and thyme, gentians and many different orchids beautifying the chalk grassland

Reptiles are most commonly seen on hot, sunny days when they can bask in the sun and at dusk bats swoop and flutter in search of their insect prey.

As autumn approaches the leaves of deciduous trees such as beech and oak turn to glorious reds, yellows, brown and golds. At this time of year you notice the richness of the fungal life here - over 900 species have been recorded.

In winter the reserve retains an air of greenness thanks to conifer plantations, but the broad leaved woodlands are lighter and airier, good for mammal watching. Roe, fallow and muntjac deer can be spotted along with many smaller species. Muddier tracks reveal footprints of the different mammals that have passed through before you. Winters are exceptionally cold due to sinking cold air creating a frost pocket in the valley. A sparkling blanket of frost covers the ground on many mornings.

The visitor centre is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Contact - skip

WWW: http://www.bbowt.org.uk

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