The reserve is home to an exceptional collection of plants and animals associated with chalk downland and scrub habitats, including a number of rare or threatened species. Main habitat: lowland grassland Area: 342 hectares Management: Martin Down is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and the Hampshire County Council. Hampshire Wildlife Trust also have the freehold of the north of the NNR called Kitt’s Grave and this area is managed on their behalf by Natural England under a long-term lease. Features of interest The NNR represents one of the largest areas of uninterrupted chalk downland in Britain (Salisbury Plain and Porton Down being larger). It has great views across Cranborne Chase and the lack of light pollution at night makes it an ideal area for star gazing. Notable plants found in the area include bastard toadflax, field fleawort, early gentian and lesser centaury. Twelve orchid species have also been identified, including burnt-tip, green-winged, greater butterfly and frog. Five bat species have been recorded in the area: noctule, serotine, brown long-eared, common and soprano pipistrelle; and brown hare is found throughout the site. Birds found at Martin Down include turtle dove, grey partridge, nightingale, skylark, yellowhammer and linnet. Hobby and quail may also be encountered and Montagu’s harrier and stone curlew sometimes visit the site. Directions The reserve is 14 kilometres south west of Salisbury, 1 kilometre west of Martin village. The northern part of the site is crossed by the A354. The nearest train station is in Salisbury Bus services from Salisbury along the A354 are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company. There is a bus stop by the main car park with access directly onto the site. Access to the site is via the A354 and minor roads leading from it. There is a car park on the A354 and another at the end of Sillens Lane, a minor road from the village of Martin, 1km east of the reserve. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. A path, the Jubilee Trail, crosses the site and there are numerous bridleways and footpaths in the area. More information on walking and cycling in the area is available on the Wiltshire Council website. School and community groups We are able to provide staff time for a half day or full day of activities for a small number of school visits per year. Please telephone to discuss further. School groups are also able to self guide themselves around the site but please let us know in advance. Please note there are no toilets except for pre-booked visits and coach parking is very limited. Contact For further information or to discuss volunteering, contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.