Cockey Down Nature Reserve

Cockey Down is a relatively small reserve; it can only be reached by public footpath so a visit can be combined with a longer walk in the area. This magnificent site of unimproved chalk downland is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic whilst taking in superb views of Salisbury cathedral spire and the surrounding countryside. The 6.7ha site consists of a North West facing, mostly gently sloping, downland scarp, forming part of Cockey Down Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (which totals 15.2ha). The site is divided into a series of rectangular fields by Iron Age lynchets.

There are thousands of orchids and other chalk downland flowers to see in June and July. These include good populations of 2 nationally scarce species, Bastard Toadflax (Thesium humifusum) and Field Fleawort (Senecio integrifolius).

Wildlife

Cockey Down is best visited in spring and summer, when insects such as the Hornet Robber-fly (Asilus crabroniformis), and butterflies such as Chalkhill Blue (Lysandra coridon), Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) and Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja) find a home amongst the stunning tapestry of wildflowers. Flowers include Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).

A wide variety of passerines breed or feed on the down and in the surrounding scrub and there are many records of raptors hunting on or over the down.

History and management

There is evidence of Early Bronze Age and Iron Age occupation nearby and the substantial lynchets indicate that most of the down was ploughed in the late prehistoric and Roman period. Ground disturbance is therefore limited and scrub encroachment controlled.

There is a long history of grazing which has created the species-rich sward; the land is currently grazed with cattle by a local grazier.

Cockey Down is now being managed under the New Life for Chalk Project.

Other information

Dogs are allowed, but must be on a short leash at all times of year due to grazing animals.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer
Habitat: Chalk downland
Specialities of the reserve: Chalkhill Blue, Hornet Robber-fly, Fragrant Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Bastard Toadflax, Field Fleawort.
Location: Best reached via a footpath from Laverstock on the east side of Salisbury. From Duck Inn in Laverstock, follow public footpath for 30 minutes, along hedgerows, beech clumps and onto the chalk slope (follow yellow arrows). Reserve entrance (kissing gate) located in middle of fence line, half way down slope. Grid reference: SU173320.