REW DOWN

Local Nature Reserves are open to the public at all times and several public footpaths cross the area. There are always wonderful views from the site, down to the coast, as far as the downs above Niton to the west and over to St Boniface Down in the east.

If you are walking over the site with your dog, please keep it under control and do not allow it to worry the grazing animals.

In spring, bluebells form a carpet under the Ash trees, and cowslips cover the lower part of the slopes. Birdsong is heard from the scrub, where yellowhammers and whitethroats nest.

Pyramidal orchids make a fine show in late June and early July. Stemless thistles, with their deep purple flower heads and sharp shiny leaf rosettes flat against the ground are a feature of the later part of the summer.

More recently, populations of the Adonis blue butterfly have been seen at Rew Down. The Adonis is the most striking of the blue butterflies. It was once on the endangered species list but it is now making a good recovery thanks to favourable management of the species rich chalk downland habitat it needs to survive.

The site has a history of grazing and Highland cattle have been on the site since January 2003, helping to keep down the faster growing grasses that would overwhelm the more delicate chalk plants.

You can download a Rew Down factsheet here which contains a map of the site and things to look out for during your visit.

Click here if you would like to find out more about getting involved with your local nature reserve.