Kate Titford
Hurley Chalk Pit
Location
OS Map Reference
SU813824
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
On A4130 2.5 miles east of Henley, park in lay-by 100m west of Black Boy pub; take the bridleway opposite pub for 0.5 miles.Access
Gentle slopes but watch out for some loose flint and roots
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
March to SeptemberAbout the reserve
Varied habitats
A small reserve, Hurley Chalk Pit encompasses a varied range of habitats, including woodland, scrub, grassland and mixed hedgerows. Excavated more than 150 years ago, its chalk cliffs and screen contain flints. The warm and sheltered pit attracts 15 species of butterfly, including common blues and gatekeepers. The woodland is dominated by beech, but also includes oak, ash, field maple, silver birch, hazel coppice and whitebeam.
Abundant flowers
The deep shade of the beech discourages many wild flowers but the woodland bluebells form a beautiful sight in spring. The chalk grassland contains many interesting grasses and herbs, such as the elegant quaking-grass and clustered bellflower. Six different wild orchids have been recorded on the reserve including bee, pyramidal and fragrant orchids. Wild marjoram flourishes on the pit floor, alongside cowslip and wild candytuft.