Stockbridge Down: chalk slopes full of wildlife and ancient riches
Perhaps the easing of the UK’s lockdown restrictions has heightened my sensory responses, but trips to Stockbridge Down have felt extra rewarding this summer. Rising to just over 150 metres, Stockbridge Down is a chalk ‘island’ surrounded by a ‘sea’ of largely intensive, arable fields disappearing far into the distance. In later summer the calm of this ‘sea’ has stirred with the onset of harvesting.
Ramparts of the Iron Age fort
When heading west from Winchester, the Down lies immediately north of the B3049 shortly before reaching the small town of Stockbridge itself. At either end of the Down there are two small car parks along this fast road.
Although popular with dog walkers, the area never feels crowded or under visitor stress. On a clear day, expansive views spread out from the higher parts in every direction, whether across the Test Valley, back towards Winchester or north towards Salisbury Plain. It provides a sense of spaciousness and big skies while at the same time the breezes and fresh air help clear away any lingering cobwebs!
Weathered rough-hewn fencing protecting an ancient burial mound
Landscape
The land is owned by the National Trust following its donation by Prof. Rosalind Hill (Lady of the Manor of Stockbridge) in 1947. Access through the gates remains free. It is an historical landscape of bronze age burial mounds, the remaining ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort marking the area’s northern edge, and for those with an expert’s eye, lynchets denoting ancient field systems.
The Down is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has the feel of being a natural and relatively undisturbed landscape. Careful and low visibility management, such as through using grazing sheep and cattle, is undertaken though to encourage a rich diversity of chalkland flora and fauna. With a mix of grassland, scrub, thickets and copses, the area provides a range of habitats, but this summer I have been most struck by the extensive carpet of wildflowers and the numbers of butterflies.
Marbled White commonly found on the Down
A Chalkhill Blue?
Wildlife
It is claimed that over 40 species of butterfly can be found here, including a few rarities such as the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Some naturalists have remarked on a decrease in butterfly numbers, but when I stopped at particular points and looked around for five minutes, it was astonishing how numerous they were as the different varieties searched for their nectar of choice. Perhaps individual species have seen their numbers drop, but I was amazed at the large number of Chalkhill and other blue butterflies that were around this August – the distinctions between them unfortunately defy me. The outcome of this year’s Big Butterfly Count should reveal just how well these emblems of summer are thriving.
Through the summer, the carpet of wildflowers on the Down inevitably changes. Extensive displays of bird’s-foot trefoil mark early summer. Soon harebells and larger flowers such as thistles, viper’s-bugloss, and purple field scabious appear among many others. Some may not be so common and my limited expertise at identification probably meant these passed me by.
Yellow carpet of Bird’s-feet Trefoil
While Stockbridge Down itself is too small for a day’s hiking, there is a public footpath that runs south – north across its more easterly slopes that link King’s Somborne with the lanes heading towards Chilbolton. This could make the Down a focus for a longer day’s outing. For those fortunate to live on its doorstep, it is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours and unwind and appreciate nature’s local bounty.
Viper’s Bugloss
Taking care
Unfortunately, the area is not currently served by public transport. Apart from information boards about the site, there are no other facilities such as toilets or cafe at the location. It is therefore necessary to be self-contained. When the weather is favourable though, the Down is well suited for a relaxing picnic, although barbecues are not permitted.
Having recently seen numerous sickening reports of beauty spots and wildlife sites elsewhere being treated with contempt by visitors this summer, one hopes this precious site avoids suffering the same fate. If you are visiting, make sure you respect the rules and ensure all litter is taken home.
