Beacon Hill NNR is a prominent chalk hill at the western end of the South Downs National Park. Main habitats: chalk downland, woodland, scrub Area: 40 hectares Features of interest Classic chalk grassland plants can be found throughout the spring and summer, such as wild thyme, squinancywort, clustered bellflower, common rock rose, horseshoe vetch and restharrow. Less common species such as round-headed rampion and field fleawort are also present. Beacon Hill is an excellent place for spotting butterflies such as the chalkhill blue, silver-spotted skipper, brown argus and grizzled skipper. The reserve is a good place to encounter many of the declining farmland bird species such as linnet and yellowhammer. Raptors such as the red kite, buzzard and kestrel can be seen, as well as summer migrants like whitethroats, willow warblers and blackcaps. Directions Beacon Hill is situated mid-way between Winchester and Petersfield, 2 miles west of the A32 at Warnford. There is a small car park at the entrance to the reserve. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. From there, visitors can walk on a flat track for half a mile to the downland. Once on the downland, the going can be very steep and uneven. The nearest railway stations are at Winchester and Petersfield. A bus service runs several times a day between Winchester and Petersfield, stopping at West Meon, about 3 miles from the reserve. See Traveline for details. The reserve is located 2 miles west of the A32 at the village of Warnford. There is a car park at the entrance to the nature reserve. The South Downs Way National Trail crosses the reserve, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horseriders. See the map to find out where you can ride a horse or cycle on the reserve. School and community groups The site is open every day of the year and available for self-guided and guided walks. There are no toilet facilities on site. Volunteering Contact volunteerenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering at Beacon Hill NNR. Contact For further information regarding this site contact the NNR enquiry line on 0300 060 6000.