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Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Reserve

A large 46 hectare reserve on a steep, consisting of south-facing chalk hillside and hill-top which was once the site of Winchester's ancient fair as well as an army camp during WW1. At the top of the reserve are several Bronze Age Round Barrows, listed as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The reserve has been extended to take in arable land for conversion back to chalk downland.

Fifty years ago Magdalen Hill Down was open, grazed downland famous for Adonis Blues. Much of it was then ploughed-up for arable cultivation and the steeper slopes left to invading scrub. By 1989 the butterflies were greatly reduced, but scrub clearance and grazing management has carefully restored the site into a haven for wildflowers and butterflies.

The original reserve has been extended twice (mid 1995 and 2004) by taking on large neighbouring areas of arable land. On these chalk grassland is being very successfully re-created through sowing with native grass and flower seed from other Hampshire sites.

This work, supported by a Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme and Hampshire County Council, is restoring the former glory of this important downland and allowing butterflies and moths to establish healthy populations again.

Owned/leased by Butterfly Conservation.

Location & Access: The reserve lies between the A31 and B3404 just outside the eastern edge of Winchester, over the bridge that crosses the M3. Arriving by car the main North entrance is the track adjacent to Magdalen Hill cemetary. A small gravel car park accross the B3404 from the track should be used.

The reserve is only a mile walk from Winchester City centre and there are entrances by bus stops on the B3404. The closest to the city is opposite St.Swithin's School. There is no parking at this entrance.

For the south entrance park in the small lay-by on the Petersfield Road (A31 - Petersfield direction) opposite the minor road to Chilcomb.

The original reserve is designated Open Access land and the extensions all have permissive open access in addition to the various footpaths that cross the hillside. Most paths are firm and easy to follow, but some have moderate to steep slopes in places and can be slippery when wet. Some kissing gates and stiles may be encountered. A brideway runs along part of the northern boundary.

The new North extension has a disabled access track running from a small carpark down the track adjoining the cemetary (disabled access with RADAR key)to the St Swithin's school entrance.

Grid reference: SU 506 293

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.