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Yew Hill Butterfly Reserve

This 6 hectare reserve sits on a chalk hill-top with stunning views. It is a popular walking spot, and is easily accessible from Winchester. Yew Hill has great populations of downland wildflowers and butterflies

The reserve is traversed by a bridleway flanked by an ancient hedgerow. Together with a grove of trees to the south, and by the reservoir bank this helps shelter the areas of chalk grassland on this open hilltop. Crossing the reserve is a modern track, and parallel to it run a series of wide ditches which are thought to be tracks of medieval origin.

Flora: The diverse chalk downland flora includes fragrant, pyramidal, bee and frog orchids, clustered bellflower, bastard toadflax, squinancywort, sainfoin, horseshoe and kidney vetch and hairy violet.

Location: There are several means of pedestrian access: By a track from Winchester Sainsbury's superstore; the Bridleway from Oliver's Battery; the Hurdle Way track from Compton (all about a 20 minute walk); A 500m walk along the bridleway leading from the Millers Lane/ Old Kennels Lane junction.

There is no formal car parking here - only the road verge. Plus use with consideration for local residents.

Grid reference: SU 455 265

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.