A guide to the wildlife of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve

Established by the government to protect habitats, wildlife and geology, National Nature Reserves are vital for the conservation of nature across England. They act as outdoor laboratories to learn more about the natural world – for everyone from scientists to school children. Hampshire Countryside Service manages five National Nature Reserves, each with their own unique ecosystems of plants and animals.

The highest point in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and second highest point in the South Downs National Park, Butser Hill National Nature Reserve takes its name from the old English “Bryttes Oran”, meaning Briht’s slope. Its chalky grassland makes an ideal home for wildlife, and there’s evidence of Iron Age and Roman settlements having been there.

Cowslip (Primula veris)

This wildflower is easily identifiable by its bright yellow petals that are cupped by pale green leaves that sit in a cluster atop an upright stem. It’s long been an emblem in English folklore, associated with traditions like weddings and May Day.

Best time to see: April and May

Conservation status: Protected

Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera)

The bee orchid gets its name from the way it mimics the appearance of a female bee. Its appearance deceives male bees into trying to mate with the flower, resulting in its pollination. The particular species of bee it mimics isn’t native to the UK, so the bee orchid must self-pollinate.

Best time to see: June and July

Conservation status: Protected

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

Whitethroats are migratory birds, visiting the UK in the summer months, making their homes in grassland, scrub and hedgerows. You can identify them by the white patch on their throats, which is set against a grey-brown body and head.

Best time to see: April – October

Conservation status: Endangered

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Resident to the UK, kestrels are birds of prey known for hovering in the sky while scouting out prey. They have a long tail and pointed wings, usually outstretched while in flight. Their upper is brown with black bands, while their underside is a cream colour streaked with black.

Best time to see: Year-round

Conservation status: Endangered

Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)

This rare butterfly can often be found on chalk grasslands, making use of slopes and scrub for shelter. They’re small brown butterflies with orange markings and have a chequered brown and white border on their wings. Their caterpillars, which can be seen during June and July, feed on cowslips, so keep an eye out for those.

Best time to see: April – June

Conservation status: Endangered

Silver-spotted skipper (Hesperia comma)

Another small butterfly, the silver-spotted skipper also favours chalk downland. It takes is name from the silver spots on the underside of its wings which can be seen easily when its wings are resting. Although the population has declined over the last five decades, it has started to rebound in more recent years.

Best time to see: July – September

Conservation status: Not threatened