A superb example of chalk grassland and scrub, rich in flowers and butterflies

Levin Down is easy to spot. As you come over the ridge at Goodwood racecourse it stands alone as a hill covered in natural scrubby grassland. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; indeed the reason that Levin has so much of its wildlife value still intact is hinted at in the name, which is derived from ‘Leave-Alone Hill’, meaning that the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.

What you can see

Many butterflies including green and brown hairstreaks, blues. Chalk grassland flowers such as clustered bellfower; chalk heath; juniper; scrub warblers and finches.

Getting around

Located six miles north of Chichester, Levin Down is within walking distance of the villages of Singleton and Charlton via public footpaths.
There is no easy way of visiting Levin Down without climbing uphill, but it is worth it. There is a small parking lay-by at the crossroads in Charlton, and a public footpath leads directly across the field to the reserve. Alternatively, a much longer, but less steep walk up the track
from the parking area leads to a gate at the north end of the reserve. There are gates at all entrances to the 28 hectare reserve, and most of the many paths involve steep climbs.

pyramidal orchid by Paul Marten