About the reserve

Ham Hill is a tiny area of steeply sloping chalk downland strewn with wildflowers and offering great views. A path runs through it and a flight of steps leads to the top of the embankment and through the ash woodland. The reserve is part of a holloway (sunken track) dating back to Saxon or medieval times on the route from Hungerford to Andover. The banks are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for their rich variety of plants and wildlife.

The site is grazed with sheep by a local grazier. This controls the scrub that would otherwise crowd out the wildflowers. Volunteers help clear the scrub and coppice some of the trees.

In spring, cowslips, early purple orchids and violets provide food for the caterpillar of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.

In July look for the tiny, yellow-green, powerfully scented musk orchid, a nationally scarce species that is found in very few sites in Wiltshire. You may also find a few burnt orchids. Twayblades, common spotted, fragrant and pyramidal orchids are scattered throughout the reserve. Birds such as chaffinch and yellowhammer nest in the bushes. Listen for the deep croak of roosting ravens. Look out for the rare Roman snail, Britain’s largest. Its spherical shell ranges from white to grey, has pale brown bands and grows up to 5cm across.