Wylye Down National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The Wylye Down NNR is made up of chalk grassland, rich in wildflowers. Over 100 different plants have been recorded on the species-rich grassland, including the internationally protected early gentian. The early gentian is one of the first to flower in early spring. This purple flowering annual plant relies on short grazed chalk grasslands to survive and Wylye Down is one of the few remaining sites in Europe where it can be found. Not surprisingly this species is one of only nine plants given international protection as a European Protected Species. The reserve is at its most impressive during spring and summer when the rich diversity of wildflowers is in bloom. An impressive selection of rare orchids can be found on the reserve, and these include burnt tip, frog, green winged and the abundant fragrant orchid. Less obvious among the grassland are field fleawort, dwarf sedge, bastard toadflax and the tuberous thistle.

Location

Wylye

About the area

Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.

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Wylye Wiltshire Things To Do in Wiltshire

Wylye Down National Nature Reserve

Wylye

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Wylye Down National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

The Wylye Down NNR is made up of chalk grassland, rich in wildflowers. Over 100 different plants have been recorded on the species-rich grassland, including the internationally protected early gentian. The early gentian is one of the first to flower in early spring. This purple flowering annual plant relies on short grazed chalk grasslands to survive and Wylye Down is one of the few remaining sites in Europe where it can be found. Not surprisingly this species is one of only nine plants given international protection as a European Protected Species. The reserve is at its most impressive during spring and summer when the rich diversity of wildflowers is in bloom. An impressive selection of rare orchids can be found on the reserve, and these include burnt tip, frog, green winged and the abundant fragrant orchid. Less obvious among the grassland are field fleawort, dwarf sedge, bastard toadflax and the tuberous thistle.

Location

Wylye

About the area

Area image

Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.

Explore Wiltshire

Wylye Wiltshire Things To Do in Wiltshire