Days out
Winterbourne Downs
Newton TonyOpenSee opening timesDiscover how wildlife-friendly farming can work for nature in the rolling chalk country. Here, buzzing bugs and flitting birds, make the most of wildflower grasslands created on fields once used for crops.
About
In Wiltshire's rolling chalk country, you’ll find a new downland nature reserve at Winterbourne Downs. Here, the RSPB has recreated wildlife-rich habitats once typical of most downland farms to provide a safe haven for Stone-curlews and Lapwings and a marvellous variety of chalk-loving plants and insects.
We’re helping to transform fields once used for crops into flowering grasslands. The wildlife is showing its appreciation – plenty of bugs have moved in to make the most of the nectar-rich fields. Plus, we’ve built south-facing butterfly banks, packed with the favourite flowers of the Small Blue and Brown Argus. Keeping them company, you’ll spot Skylarks, Lapwings, Yellowhammers, Linnets and Grey Partridges making the most of the buzzing fields and healthy hedgerows.
Chalk grasslands are a really biodiverse habitat, bursting with different plants and animals. In the UK, we’ve lost 80% of the area of them – so this newly-restored area is really important. As you explore, keep an eye out for the mysterious and rare Stone-curlews. Though still vulnerable, their numbers have begun to recover in restored spots like this, so it’s a great place to see them. Winterbourne Downs’ colourful hedgerows and scrubland are perfect for secretive woodland wildlife such as Blackcaps, Whitethroats, Barn Owls and the Brown Hairstreak butterfly.
At a glance
Open all year except the summer solstice. 10 spaces. 1 Blue Badge space. Bike racks available. Compacted gravel surface. 2m height restriction.
There are no toilets here. Nearest public toilets in Amesbury, 5 miles (8 km) away
There are no toilets here. Nearest baby changing facilities at Salisbury, 10 miles (16 km) away.
Unsurfaced and uneven in places, apart from 30 m of meshed trackway designed to provide access for wheelchair users and pushchairs into the wildflower meadow.
Some areas of moderate gradient without steps. One kissing gate designed to accommodate wheelchair users, and two pedestrian gates.
Two wildlife viewing screens with step-free access and low viewing slots.
Picnic table with space for a wheelchair user next to car park with beautiful views across the reserve.
Unsurfaced and uneven in places, apart from 30 m of meshed trackway designed to provide access for wheelchair users and pushchairs into the wildflower meadow.
Some areas of moderate gradient without steps. One kissing gate designed to accommodate wheelchair users, and two pedestrian gates.
Two wildlife viewing screens with step-free access and low viewing slots.
Picnic table with space for a wheelchair user next to car park with beautiful views across the reserve.
There are no toilets here. Nearest public toilets in Amesbury, 5 miles (8 km) away
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
There is a no dogs policy from the car park to the permissive trails to minimise disturbance to wildlife and livestock. Dogs die in hot cars, please don't leave your dog in the car when you visit us.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Winterbourne Downs
nicola.quinn@rspb.org.uk Winterbourne Downs, Station Road, Newton Tony, Wiltshire, SP4 0HE 01980 629835