Wildlife in Norfolk > Nature Reserves > Ringstead Downs

Ringstead Downs

One of the largest remaining areas of unimproved chalk grassland in Norfolk. It lies within the Norfolk Coast Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is well-known for its attractive landscape and wonderful views.

Ringstead Downs supports a diverse range of species including a number of locally important and locally scarce species. Nineteen species of butterfly have been recorded at Ringstead since 1960, including the chalkhill blue. The diversity of species present and its uniqueness in Norfolk make Ringstead Downs a valuable area for wildlife.

Dog policy:

Open Access, but walkers must keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds. Outside this period walkers are requested to keep dogs under tight control or on a lead to avoid disturbance to livestock.





 

Opening times

Season Opening Days Opening Hours
Year round Everyday Dawn till dusk

Prices

There is no charge for access to this reserve.



Directions and Transport

From Ringstead, east of Hunstanton, take the road south to Sedgeford. Look out for a track to the nature reserve on the right. There is a small car park on the edge of the field on the left-hand side of the track and just before the start of the hedge.

Access is from the permissive bridleway through the Downs, running from the village of Ringstead to the A149 at its junction with Downs Road, Hunstanton. Please note that the adjacent woodland is strictly private.

Facts

Type: chalk grassland
Size: 11 Hectares
Designation: SSSI
Map reference: OS Landranger 132
Grid reference: TF 706 399


Did you know?

NWT Ringstead Downs is the largest area of unimproved chalk grassland in Norfolk.



Facilities


 

Visitor centre


 



What to look for

Spring/summer

squincywort, horseshoe vetch, wild thyme, rock rose, dwarf thistle, burnet saxifrage. brown argus butterfly, oak and speckled bush cricket.

Dingy Skipper

This species can be seen in: » Spring » Summer » Autumn » Winter

Garden Tiger

This species can be seen in: » Spring » Summer » Autumn » Winter

Grizzled Skipper

This species can be seen in: » Spring » Summer » Autumn » Winter

Events at this reserve


There are no events currently scheduled for this reserve, see the events list for a full list of events


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