A guide to the wildlife of Martin Down 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.

Martin Down National Nature Reserve sits in the west of Hampshire. At 350 hectares, it’s one of the largest expanses of continuous chalk downland in the UK. The ancient site has archaeological features dating back millennia, like a Bronze Age enclosure and Bokerley Dyke, a huge linear earthwork stretching the length of the site.

Pasqueflower (pulsatilla vulgaris)

Also known as the ‘anemone of Passiontide’, the pasqueflower can be seen blooming around Easter. You can spot the herb by its purple bell-shaped petals with a yellow centre. According to legend, this herb grew on the battlegrounds of Romans and Vikings where blood had been shed. Evidence, however, suggests that the pasqueflower thrives in these areas because of their undisturbed chalklands.

Best time to see: April

Conservation status: Near-threatened

Green-winged orchid (Anacamptis morio)

The green-winged orchid grows in chalky soil, usually on untouched grasslands. During the late spring, you’ll be able to spot clusters of pink or purple flowers blooming around a short stem. The plant takes its name from the green veins lining the hoods, or sepals, of the flowers.

Best time to see: May and June

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

This small bird is well known for its spectacular displays of song-flight. The skylark can be identified by the white on the edge of its wings, and by its brown crest which raises when excited or startled. While they spend a lot of time in the air, reaching heights of up to 300 metres, they’re ground nesting birds.

Best time to see: Year-round

Conservation status: Critically endangered

Corn bunting (Emberiza calandra)

The corn bunting is a small, sparrow-sized bird often found in hedgerows and on farmland. It looks similar to the skylark – a pale and streaked brown – but has a thicker bill and no crest. These birds are resident to the UK, barely even migrating within the country.

Best time to see: Year-round

Conservation status: Critically endangered

Adonis blue (Polyommatus bellargus)

Often seen fluttering through the skies above chalk downland, the Adonis blue is a distinctive butterfly in the south of England. Males are easy to spot with their bright blue, white-tipped wings, while females are usually brown. The Adonis blue looks similar to the chalk hill blue which can also been seen here at Martin Down.

Best time of year to see: May – September

Conservation status: Not threatened

Dark green fritillary (Argynnis aglaja)

Despite its name, the upperwings of the dark green fritillary are actually pale orange with black spots, although the underside of the wing does have a green tinge. Rarely travelling far from its breeding ground, the butterfly can often be seen darting between flowers to feed on their nectar.

Best time of year to see: June – September

Conservation status: Not threatened