Welcome

The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.

National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Front cover: Stonehenge by 123rf.com and Illustrations by Mike Langman, Chris Shields, Lizzie Harper and Nigel Cowling

MAN-0525-13-14

Stonehenge

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

The National Trust is a charity founded over 100 years ago by people who saw the importance of our nation’s heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy – these values are still at the heart of everything we do.

You are in the heart of the Wiltshire chalk country, where you may encounter fascinating wildlife as you explore the ancient spaces around Stonehenge.

Look out forSkyKestrelThis small falcon is most often seen hovering over rough grassland. It’s looking for mice, voles and grasshoppers to eat.

SwiftFrom May to August swifts soar overhead feeding on flying insects. They only land when they’re nesting, even sleeping on the wing.

BuzzardIf you hear a mewing call from a soaring bird of prey, it is likely to be a buzzard. These large brown birds can also be seen perched on posts and on the ground in fields looking for worms.

SkylarkWatch these little brown birds rise vertically like a helicopter, before dropping back down as they break into beautiful song. Skylarks nest on the ground between April and August, which makes them vulnerable to disturbance from dogs and other predators.

Wildlife around

Ancient grassland Adonis blue This rare vivid blue butterfly can be spotted on the Cursus Barrows (1) amongst the horseshoe vetch where it may be seen laying its eggs.

Horseshoe vetchA plant with bright yellow flowers and horseshoe shaped fruits. Butterflies and caterpillars love to feed on it and it is a great source of nectar for bumblebees.

Green woodpeckerAlso known as a “yaffle” after its loud laughing call. Green woodpeckers often feed on anthills on the ground. Look for them near woodland all year round.

Common lizardAbout 15 cm long, this lizard can best be seen when basking in sunny, sheltered places. You may also find slow worms – a legless type of lizard – here too.

Pyramidal orchid This orchid is one of the most beautiful wildflowers at Stonehenge. Its pink flowers are best seen in June and July on the King Barrow Ridge (2) and some of the restored grassland fields.

Dark green fritillaryLook out for this large orange butterfly, which is named for its green underwings. It flies rapidly, but can be seen feeding on thistle and knapweed flowers on the barrows.

Restored grasslandBrown hareUnlike rabbits, hares live entirely above ground. These shy animals are best seen in spring when you may be lucky enough to see two running around and ‘boxing’ with each other.

RookLook out for large flocks of rooks in arable fields and grassland. They probe their beaks into the ground for worms and form noisy rookeries in trees on the edge of the Downs.

SainfoinThis plant has a spike of bright pink flowers from June to August, creating a haze of colour on the restored grasslands. Insects, including bumblebees, love it.

StarlingTake a close look to appreciate the beauty of the starling’s iridescent feathers. They’re easy to spot here and often pick up crumbs from picnics.

CowslipThis little yellow flower may have been named after the old English word for cow dung “cu sloppe”, as it often grows in cow fields. Here the flowers are widespread across the fields in April and May.

Marbled white July is the best time to see this striking butterfly, feeding on its preferred purple flowers. Early morning can be the most rewarding time to watch, when they warm up in the first of the sun’s rays.

WoodlandRoe deerOur smallest native deer is usually seen in small groups in or near woodland areas. When disturbed you may hear a barking call, or see it bound away. The mating season or ‘rut’ takes place in summer when bucks compete for does.

BeechThe timber of this smooth-barked native tree is used for fuel, furniture and tools. A line of veteran beech trees graces the King Barrow Ridge (2).

Lords and ladies Often known as ‘cuckoo pint’ this plant has shiny arrow shaped leaves with dark spots. Its flowers give off a smell like urine to attract flies for pollination. It has a spike of bright orange poisonous berries in late summer.

Great spotted woodpeckerThis striking bird has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to trees. In spring, it can be heard drumming its beak against tree trunks.

Wood avens (Herb bennet)Growing in shaded places this plant has drooping yellow flowers from May to August. These are followed by hooked burrs, which attach themselves to the fur of passing animals to distribute the seed.

Speckled wood In summer, when they’re not feeding on honeydew (aphid poo) in the treetops, they can often be seen dancing in dappled light, or perching in sunny patches.

ArableCommon poppyPoppy seeds can lie dormant for many years until the conditions are right for them to flower in a blaze of red between June and September.

YellowhammerThis seed-eating bird nests in hedgerows close to fields and can be heard singing ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ from a prominent perch.

Scarlet pimpernelA sprawling plant with bright red flowers found at the edge of arable fields between June and August. It’s also known as the ‘shepherd’s weatherglass’ as the flowers close up in bad weather.

For further information about the National Trust’s work in the Stonehenge Landscape, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehenge-landscape or contact wiltshirecountryside@nationaltrust.org.uk For information about the Wiltshire chalk country, visit rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/chalkcountry This leaflet is also available as a pdf to download from the websites listed above.

Working together to give nature a home

20pw

here sold

Welcome

The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.

National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Front cover: Stonehenge by 123rf.com and Illustrations by Mike Langman, Chris Shields, Lizzie Harper and Nigel Cowling

MAN-0525-13-14

Stonehenge

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

The National Trust is a charity founded over 100 years ago by people who saw the importance of our nation’s heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy – these values are still at the heart of everything we do.

You are in the heart of the Wiltshire chalk country, where you may encounter fascinating wildlife as you explore the ancient spaces around Stonehenge.

Look out forSkyKestrelThis small falcon is most often seen hovering over rough grassland. It’s looking for mice, voles and grasshoppers to eat.

SwiftFrom May to August swifts soar overhead feeding on flying insects. They only land when they’re nesting, even sleeping on the wing.

BuzzardIf you hear a mewing call from a soaring bird of prey, it is likely to be a buzzard. These large brown birds can also be seen perched on posts and on the ground in fields looking for worms.

SkylarkWatch these little brown birds rise vertically like a helicopter, before dropping back down as they break into beautiful song. Skylarks nest on the ground between April and August, which makes them vulnerable to disturbance from dogs and other predators.

Wildlife around

Ancient grassland Adonis blue This rare vivid blue butterfly can be spotted on the Cursus Barrows (1) amongst the horseshoe vetch where it may be seen laying its eggs.

Horseshoe vetchA plant with bright yellow flowers and horseshoe shaped fruits. Butterflies and caterpillars love to feed on it and it is a great source of nectar for bumblebees.

Green woodpeckerAlso known as a “yaffle” after its loud laughing call. Green woodpeckers often feed on anthills on the ground. Look for them near woodland all year round.

Common lizardAbout 15 cm long, this lizard can best be seen when basking in sunny, sheltered places. You may also find slow worms – a legless type of lizard – here too.

Pyramidal orchid This orchid is one of the most beautiful wildflowers at Stonehenge. Its pink flowers are best seen in June and July on the King Barrow Ridge (2) and some of the restored grassland fields.

Dark green fritillaryLook out for this large orange butterfly, which is named for its green underwings. It flies rapidly, but can be seen feeding on thistle and knapweed flowers on the barrows.

Restored grasslandBrown hareUnlike rabbits, hares live entirely above ground. These shy animals are best seen in spring when you may be lucky enough to see two running around and ‘boxing’ with each other.

RookLook out for large flocks of rooks in arable fields and grassland. They probe their beaks into the ground for worms and form noisy rookeries in trees on the edge of the Downs.

SainfoinThis plant has a spike of bright pink flowers from June to August, creating a haze of colour on the restored grasslands. Insects, including bumblebees, love it.

StarlingTake a close look to appreciate the beauty of the starling’s iridescent feathers. They’re easy to spot here and often pick up crumbs from picnics.

CowslipThis little yellow flower may have been named after the old English word for cow dung “cu sloppe”, as it often grows in cow fields. Here the flowers are widespread across the fields in April and May.

Marbled white July is the best time to see this striking butterfly, feeding on its preferred purple flowers. Early morning can be the most rewarding time to watch, when they warm up in the first of the sun’s rays.

WoodlandRoe deerOur smallest native deer is usually seen in small groups in or near woodland areas. When disturbed you may hear a barking call, or see it bound away. The mating season or ‘rut’ takes place in summer when bucks compete for does.

BeechThe timber of this smooth-barked native tree is used for fuel, furniture and tools. A line of veteran beech trees graces the King Barrow Ridge (2).

Lords and ladies Often known as ‘cuckoo pint’ this plant has shiny arrow shaped leaves with dark spots. Its flowers give off a smell like urine to attract flies for pollination. It has a spike of bright orange poisonous berries in late summer.

Great spotted woodpeckerThis striking bird has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to trees. In spring, it can be heard drumming its beak against tree trunks.

Wood avens (Herb bennet)Growing in shaded places this plant has drooping yellow flowers from May to August. These are followed by hooked burrs, which attach themselves to the fur of passing animals to distribute the seed.

Speckled wood In summer, when they’re not feeding on honeydew (aphid poo) in the treetops, they can often be seen dancing in dappled light, or perching in sunny patches.

ArableCommon poppyPoppy seeds can lie dormant for many years until the conditions are right for them to flower in a blaze of red between June and September.

YellowhammerThis seed-eating bird nests in hedgerows close to fields and can be heard singing ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ from a prominent perch.

Scarlet pimpernelA sprawling plant with bright red flowers found at the edge of arable fields between June and August. It’s also known as the ‘shepherd’s weatherglass’ as the flowers close up in bad weather.

For further information about the National Trust’s work in the Stonehenge Landscape, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehenge-landscape or contact wiltshirecountryside@nationaltrust.org.uk For information about the Wiltshire chalk country, visit rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/chalkcountry This leaflet is also available as a pdf to download from the websites listed above.

Working together to give nature a home

20pw

here sold

WoodlandAncient and restored grasslands

Sky

Arable

Chalk grassland has a rich variety of wildflower species, which draw in a multitude of insects and birds.

Changes in land use have reduced the amount of chalk grassland in the UK to small isolated remnants. Here they survive on some barrows (burial mounds) and slopes that were too steep to plough. Recently, large areas of previously cropped fields have been restored by the National Trust to flower-rich chalk grassland. Grazing sheep and cattle keep the grasses under control and encourage wildflowers.

Here you can enjoy the pink flowers of the pyramidal orchid, sainfoin and the bright yellow of the horseshoe vetch. On sunny, south-facing slopes, common lizards and slow worms bask as butterflies and bees flit from flower to flower. Hares tear madly around the landscape in spring.

The woodlands around Stonehenge have been planted for various purposes since the 18th century.

These include shelter for sheep and cattle, a source of fencing materials and firewood production. These plantations are a mixture of mainly ash, beech, yew and hazel and provide vital food and shelter for many birds and small mammals. Most of the woodland is dominated by ivy, bramble, wood avens and lords and ladies, which grow beneath the dense tree canopy.

The largest woodland area is at Fargo (3) to the west, where recent work has created woodland clearings around ancient barrows. These clearings have increased the woodland edge and allow more light to reach the woodland floor, encouraging a greater range of flowers to grow. You may hear the drumming of woodpeckers as they tap out their territories in spring, or see roe deer watching you from along the woodland edge.

Wheat, barley and other crops have formed part of the landscape for around 6,000 years and are an essential source of food production.

Before the advent of chemical fertilisers, thin, patchy crops supported a wide variety of wildflowers and the wildlife dependant on them. Today’s efficient farming, with large fields of high yielding crops, can still make space for nature by including sympathetic management. This may include networks of unsown or grass margins, and unsown plots within fields. These provide a refuge for once common, but now rare wildflowers and important food and shelter for insects, mammals and birds.

Look out for the red poppies or the scarlet pimpernel along the field edges, and the brightly coloured yellowhammer sitting on fence posts and in the tops of bushes. Take a moment to listen for the melodic song of the skylark high above.

Landscape and habitatsStonehenge

The big skies of this open landscape have formed both a key attraction and the backdrop to activities at Stonehenge from prehistory through to today.

The dark night skies are important for birds and insects, assisting their navigation and safe migration, whilst allowing us to appreciate our place amongst the countless stars.

KeyWoodland

Arable land

Private land

Archaeological feature

Stonehenge

English Heritage visitor centre

Car park

Restored wildflower grassland

Visitor transit system drop off point

National Trust Access Land

Public right of way

The Cursus Barrows

King Barrow Ridge

Fargo Plantation

WoodlandAncient and restored grasslands

Sky

Arable

Chalk grassland has a rich variety of wildflower species, which draw in a multitude of insects and birds.

Changes in land use have reduced the amount of chalk grassland in the UK to small isolated remnants. Here they survive on some barrows (burial mounds) and slopes that were too steep to plough. Recently, large areas of previously cropped fields have been restored by the National Trust to flower-rich chalk grassland. Grazing sheep and cattle keep the grasses under control and encourage wildflowers.

Here you can enjoy the pink flowers of the pyramidal orchid, sainfoin and the bright yellow of the horseshoe vetch. On sunny, south-facing slopes, common lizards and slow worms bask as butterflies and bees flit from flower to flower. Hares tear madly around the landscape in spring.

The woodlands around Stonehenge have been planted for various purposes since the 18th century.

These include shelter for sheep and cattle, a source of fencing materials and firewood production. These plantations are a mixture of mainly ash, beech, yew and hazel and provide vital food and shelter for many birds and small mammals. Most of the woodland is dominated by ivy, bramble, wood avens and lords and ladies, which grow beneath the dense tree canopy.

The largest woodland area is at Fargo (3) to the west, where recent work has created woodland clearings around ancient barrows. These clearings have increased the woodland edge and allow more light to reach the woodland floor, encouraging a greater range of flowers to grow. You may hear the drumming of woodpeckers as they tap out their territories in spring, or see roe deer watching you from along the woodland edge.

Wheat, barley and other crops have formed part of the landscape for around 6,000 years and are an essential source of food production.

Before the advent of chemical fertilisers, thin, patchy crops supported a wide variety of wildflowers and the wildlife dependant on them. Today’s efficient farming, with large fields of high yielding crops, can still make space for nature by including sympathetic management. This may include networks of unsown or grass margins, and unsown plots within fields. These provide a refuge for once common, but now rare wildflowers and important food and shelter for insects, mammals and birds.

Look out for the red poppies or the scarlet pimpernel along the field edges, and the brightly coloured yellowhammer sitting on fence posts and in the tops of bushes. Take a moment to listen for the melodic song of the skylark high above.

Landscape and habitatsStonehenge

The big skies of this open landscape have formed both a key attraction and the backdrop to activities at Stonehenge from prehistory through to today.

The dark night skies are important for birds and insects, assisting their navigation and safe migration, whilst allowing us to appreciate our place amongst the countless stars.

KeyWoodland

Arable land

Private land

Archaeological feature

Stonehenge

English Heritage visitor centre

Car park

Restored wildflower grassland

Visitor transit system drop off point

National Trust Access Land

Public right of way

The Cursus Barrows

King Barrow Ridge

Fargo Plantation