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Clouds of chalkhill blue butterflies emerge
in high summer – up to 50,000 at one time –
skipping and chasing across the hillside in a
brilliant burst of blue. And it’s not only the blue
butterflies that call Arreton home; brown argus,
gatekeeper, small heath, grizzled skipper, green
hair streak, and marbled white can also be seen
dancing across the landscape.
Perhaps just as spectacular is the nature
reserve’s botanical diversity; the steep southern
slope is clothed in wild flowers like wild thyme,
vetches and rock rose. This is in part due to the
low nutrient soils but this also means the plants
appear in miniature. As many as 35 species of
wildflower can be found in one square metre on
the nature reserve. Other examples include the
gorgeous pyramidal orchid, the Island speciality
early gentian and, later in the summer, eyebright
and small scabious.
If you’re keen on bird watching, then the
reserve won’t let you down. It is an excellent
place to spot birds such as yellowhammer,
kestrel, buzzard, green woodpecker and hear the
overhead song of skylark.
Butterflies are at their best on a still, sunny day.
So sit back on that sunny hillside and watch as a
cloud of blue butterflies tumble around you.
Arreton Down is the largest area of unimproved
chalk downland on the central chalk ridge of
the Isle of Wight. It is a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) noted for its biological interest
and looked after by local conservation charity
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Discover more of the Island’s best nature
reserves at www.hiwwt.org.uk
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust, working for a better future for
wildlife and wild places in Hampshire
and the Island.
Phone: 01489 774 400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane,
Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP
Country life
Photo: Y ellowha mmer on branch by Tom Marshall
Photo: Adonis Blue by Ken Dolbear
Photo: Arretton Down by Jon Oakley
Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of
the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust:
• Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide.
• A welcome pack when you join.
• Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine,
delivered to you three times a year.
• The chance to take part in local group and community activities,
offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than
350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties.
• Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife
Reserve Guide.
www.visitilife.com
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