COUNTRY LIFE
Yellowhammer by David Kilbey
Autumn gentian
A low-growing, pink, late-flowering
relative of the more common blue
gentians, this flower provides colour to
the downs well into September.
Small-flowered buttercup
Yet another small, low-growing relative
of more common buttercups, this
species has become rare on the Isle of
Wight, but thrives at Knighton Down.
Chalkhill blue
In some summers, clouds of these
small, blue butterflies appear. The
caterpillars feed on horseshoe vetch,
which can carpet the downs in
some years. On these occasions, the
adults emerge and can produce large
populations.
Brown argus
Actually a member of the ‘blue’
family of butterflies, this small, brown
butterfly makes its appearance in May
through to September. Its caterpillars
feed on rock rose and common
storksbill in short, grassland turf.
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www.visitislandlife.com
Skylark by Darin Smith
Yellowhammer
An increasingly uncommon bird in
Britain, this species is doing very
well on the Island. Often seen on
telegraph wires and power lines, a
yellowhammer’s ‘little bit of bread and
no cheese’ call is a distinctive signal
that spring is in the air.
Skylark
The most evocative sound of the
British countryside and the inspiration
for many poets and composers, the
skylark’s song is a characteristic
sound of the Island’s chalk grassland.
We are managing the down to help
this species thrive and spread to
neighbouring farmland.
Seasonal highlights
In spring
Listen out for birdsong, including
skylarks, yellowhammers and common
buzzards.
In summer
See a host of different butterfly species
such as the chalkhill blue, brown
argus, marbled white, red admiral,
painted lady, peacock and small
tortoiseshell.
In autumn and winter
Enjoy fine views across the southern
western Isle of Wight from Newbarn
Down across the Arreton plain and
eastern Yar river valley to the chalk
at Ventnor and the coastal cliffs at
Luccombe.
How to get there:
The reserve is situated on the Brading
Road between Ashey Down and
Brading Down. You can park in the
layby below the Ashey sea-mark; the
reserve is the other side of the busy
road – please take care crossing. Public
rights of way run north-south between
the Brading Road and Knighton
Shute.
For maps and further information
about Knighton Down and all our
nature reserves on the Island, visit
www.hwt.org.uk