One of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in the county, this attractive, steep-sided valley supports a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Many interesting plants can be found, as well as around twenty species of butterfly. Several nationally declining birds – yellowhammer, whitethroat and linnet – occur in good numbers.
Common Rock-rose
This creeping perennial is a typical chalk grassland species. It is in bloom from June to September and has strongly scented lemon-yellow flowers.
Access
NWT Ringstead Downs is approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) east of Hunstanton. A small parking area (PE36 5JL, grid ref TF 707 399) is situated to the east of the reserve on the road from Ringstead village to Sedgeford. A bridleway leads from here to the Downs, a walk of around 1.25km (0.75 miles).
Spring
Birds - Blackcap, chiffchaff, ring ouzel
Plants - Horseshoe vetch
Insects - Brown argus
Summer
Birds - Yellowhammer, whitethoat, buzzard
Plants - Common rock-rose, squinancywort, horseshoe vetch, wild thyme, dwarf thistle, burnet saxifrage, common gromwell
Insects - Brown argus, oak bushcricket, speckled bush cricket, common blue
Autumn
Plants - Autumn gentian
Insects - Oak bush-cricket, speckled bush-cricket