Wylye Down NNR
Wylye Down NNR comprises calcareous grassland spanning a dry valley with predominant east and west facing slopes.
County: Wiltshire
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 34 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The down supports a rich grassland with as many as 40 plant species per square metre. Green-winged and fragrant orchids are found here, the latter in large numbers. The parasitic wildflower yellow rattle is dominant in places.
Apart from its wildlife interest the reserve is also important for the remains of an ancient field system preserved on the site.
May and June are the best times to visit for wildflowers.
Please note that there are no public rights of way across the reserve and that, due to the fragility of the site, access is limited. For details please email Natural England's Wiltshire office, or telephone 01380 726344.
Location and access
The reserve is 15 km north west of Salisbury and 10 km north east of Tisbury. The nearest village is Wylye, 1.5 km to the north, close to the junction of the A303 and A38.
By car the site is accessed via a minor road from Wylye to Teffont Magna.
The nearest train stations are in Salisbury and Tisbury, both served by South West Trains.
Bus services from Salisbury and Tisbury to Wylye are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company.
Wylye is on the proposed Route 24 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network and the southern end of the reserve is within 0.5 km of a national trail, the Monarch's Way.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
Signs are provided for visitor information.
