Location:Chilterns

Habitats:Culm grassland

Livestock:Beulah sheep

In brief:Large areas of chalk grassland plus broadleaved woodland and juniper scrub. A long history of sheep and rabbit grazing combined with nutrient-poor soil has led to the development of a rich wildflower flora. Plants found in the short turf include Chiltern gentian, dwarf thistle, dropwort, clustered bellflower and the rare clustered bellflower. The grassland is also home to frog, bee, pyramidal and fragrant orchids, A range of invertebrates is found here including many national rarities. Butterflies include the dark green and Duke of Burgundy fritillary, chalkhill blue, brown argus and silver-spotted skipper. The grasslands are grazed by an organic flock of Beulah Speckled Face ewes.

Contact:Mick Venters

Tel:01844 351833

Email:michael.venters@naturalengland.org.uk

Weblink:www.natureonthemap.org.uk