Broughton Down Nature Reserve

Fringed with beech and yew woodlands, the chalk grassland at Broughton Down attracts an impressive variety of wildlife. With breathtaking views across the Test Valley to Danebury Hill Fort and Stockbridge Down, this tranquil reserve is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Location

One mile from Broughton Village

Hampshire

SO20 8DA (to Buckholt Road)

OS Map Reference

SU 292 329

Know before you go

Size

25 hectares

Entry fee

Donations welcome

Parking information

Available at the end of Buckholt Road. From here take the byway on the right for quarter of a mile. At the junction of byways, on the top of the ridge, turn right then right again onto a footpath. This will take you to the reserve entrance.

Grazing animals

Our sites are grazed all year by livestock. Please follow the signage on site.

Walking trails

The ground is sloping and uneven, and can be slippery when wet. The public footpath along the southern edge is fairly flat, but the whole reserve is on a slope.

Access

Please contact us for disabled access information.

From the A3057 between Romsey and Stockbridge, if heading north turn left onto Oakley Road, signposted Mottisfont Abbey Garden. Shortly after the gardens turn left onto Back Lane, then turn right onto the B3084. After 3 miles there is a right turn for Broughton. Immediately after this, turn left onto Buckholt road and park at the end.

Bus stop: Rectory Lane, Broughton (11/2 miles). Andover to Broughton route (Stagecoach). Head towards the main road (B3084), cross over and walk down Buckholt road, then follow directions below from the parking area.

Dogs

Under effective control

Dogs on leads when livestock present, usually May to December.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Visit during the summer to see pyramidal and fragrant orchids in bloom, and watch dark green fritillary and silver spotted skipper butterflies flit between the plants on the reserve.

About the reserve

Fringed with beech and yew woodlands, Broughton Down nature reserve attracts an impressive variety of wildlife and the views are truly breathtaking. If a tranquil walk worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is what you seek, Broughton Down is the perfect destination.

This 25 hectare chalk downland nature reserve offers spectacular views across the Test Valley to Danebury Hill Fort and Stockbridge Down. The springy, flower rich turf attracts a plethora of butterflies, including the chalkhill and adonis blues, dark green fritillaries and rare silver spotted skippers – look closely and you may even spot a bloody-nosed beetle.

Broughton Down is a botanist’s paradise, with horseshoe vetch, wild thyme and common rock roses growing in abundance, as well as fragrant, pyramidal and frog orchids. The woodland is home to tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers, kestrels and buzzards.

Quiet and tranquil, Broughton Down is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.