The unimproved grasslands of the chalk downs make an exceptional habitat for wild flowers, arguably the best in Europe.
Rare orchids are just some of the endangered species of which survive here.
You will also find vetch, rock rose and knapweed, among others. Nearby the typical trees and shrubs of chalk grassland, dogwood, guelder rose, hawthorn and ash smother the plants even more. Far worse, where even a single dressing of fertilizer has been applied, the plants' root systems are destroyed. Typical signs of unimproved grassland are the hummock anthills left by generations of ants. Where newer hummocks have been left by sheep or cattle you will find that welcome efforts have been made to reintroduce summer grazing to maintain the ideal height of grasses.