GeoGraph - photograph every grid square

Noar Hill

This Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve is on the site of mediaeval chalk pits. It is now one of the best downland sites in the country. Highlights are the cowslip population, which make it one of the key sites for the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, of which it is the foodplant; its orchids, one of which, the diminutive Musk Orchid, has this as one its key sites; and the parasitic Knapweed Broomrape, which grows among the Greater Knapweed here.

In late June, the grasslands are covered in orchids: no fewer than five different types are in the small area towards the front of the photo (although not all obvious at this resolution): Common Spotted, Pyramidal, Fragrant and Mush Orchids and Common Twayblade.