Wildflowers of Wolstonbury Hill - West Sussex (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR214

An exploration of the diverse chalkland flora and natural history of Wolstonbury Hill. Specialities include Man Orchid, Slender Bedstraw and Adonis Blue, all to a backdrop of fine views and scenery.

1 days from
£60
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Standing in prominent isolation alongside the A23 within the South Downs National Park, the ancient sheep-grazed grassland of Wolstonbury Hill hosts a wonderful array of classic chalkland flora. We will be concentrating on finding several species of orchid, most notably, the Man Orchid in its only Sussex locality. Greater Butterfly, Bee and Fly Orchids are amongst other herbaceous species we aim to admire, many of which are the larval host plants for the specialized butterfly species of the area. We will be on the lookout for another speciality of the area, Slender Bedstraw, a scarce national plant in its only Sussex locality.
As we slowly walk several of the ancient pathways, we will be keeping our senses alert for any chalkland butterfly species on the wing at this time. Reaching the summit, crowned with an Iron Age Hillfort, we will be able to admire the surrounding views, taking in the Devil’s Dyke amongst many other landmarks.
As well as chalk grassland the walk allows for exploration of cool shady woodlands on the scarp slope of the South Downs with their accompanying special flora, including the diminutive Fly Orchid!

During our time of gentle wanderings, we will be serenaded by the song of ever-present Skylarks and looking upwards will no doubt reveal the presence of several Common Buzzards, and perhaps, one of the local Peregrines!
 
The terrain on this walk can be challenging at times, with steep and rutted ground on occasions. We won't walk anymore than six miles. Start time is 9.30am and we will intend to finish no later than 4pm. 

  • A variety of orchids including Man, Greater Butterfly and Fly Orchid
  • Fragrant, Pyramidal and Common Spotted Orchids are common here
  • The Slender Bedstraw at its only Sussex site
  • A range of butterflies may include Adonis Blue and Small Blue
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 27th May – Tue 27th May 4 £60
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Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Philip Thompson
Philip Thompson

Tour Leader: Philip Thompson

Philip was born in Nigeria and feels sure that at a subconscious level this has instilled in him his lifelong passion and interest in the natural world and the wildlife of Africa in particular. He was born of a generation who, as kids, would think nothing of disappearing of into the surrounding woods and countryside only to return at the end of the day hungry and tired. This enjoyment in the open country and experiencing at first hand the natural world has remained with him to this day and it is now his great pleasure to show and share with others the natural delights that drew him to tour leading. His main interest is in wild flowers but he remains a keen and able birder with an interest in all other forms of the natural environment. He is also interested in music, fashion and film, with European cinema a particular favourite.

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

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