Photo 1 - Stockbridge Down From The South West

Highlights

National Trust managed area of chalk downland, with some scrub/woodland

Good diversity of butterfly species including Chalkhill Blue, Silver-washed Fritillary and White-letter Hairstreak

Other species present in low/variable numbers include Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-spotted Skipper, Grizzled Skipper and  occasionally, Adonis Blue

Butterfly interest complemented by the archaeological features of the site, including bronze age burial mounds, prehistoric earthworks and Woolbury Iron Age fort at the summit

Description

 

Stockbridge Down (location map) is a large area of essentially chalk downland just to the east of Stockbridge and close to the Test Valley. It was one of the first areas of chalk downland I visited in Hampshire, and the location where I first saw Dark Green Fritillary in the county. Even now it is still producing surprises, such as the presence of a strong colony of White-letter Hairstreak. The down is served by a car park at each end and either can be used for a thorough exploration. I will briefly describe the site and the species to look for with reference to the car park locations, beginning with the western car park, closest to Stockbridge. Butterfly populations seem to be quite variable with some species significantly affected by the level of rabbit grazing. Hence be prepared for a range of outcomes from excellent to disappointing!

As one enters the down through the gate opposite the western car park, the main downland area stretches up the hill to the north and east (Photo 1 above). The flower rich area at the bottom of the down (Photo 2 below) running east from this entry point and parallel to the road, is a good area to start one's search. Depending on the time of visit, Chalkhill Blue, Marbled White, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath are all found here. Whilst some species are common, others such as Brown Argus and Small Copper are more likely to be found in small numbers. Keep a look-out also for Clouded Yellow, and the occasional Dark Green Fritillary. Adonis Blue are also reported in some years, but almost always in very low numbers, maybe singletons.

Photo 2 - Looking East Along The Bottom Of The Down

Now, heading NE up the down, the sward is shorter as a result of grazing by rabbits, however Small Heath and Chalkhill Blue should be encountered depending on time of year. This is usually the most likely area to encounter Silver-spotted Skippers, but their fortunes at this site are unpredictable and numbers have been somewhat disappointing in recent years. There are also pockets of longer grass, shrubs and taller flowers which provide shelter and a greater variety of nectar sources, to the benefit of butterflies. As one nears the summit, the earthworks below the fort provide a similar sheltered habitat and are another location to look for Dark Green Fritillary. From the fort area, one can of course descend in a south easterly direction towards the eastern car park and make a circular walk back along the foot of the down.

Photo - 3 Sheltered Scrub/Woodland Area At The East End Of The Down

For those making a separate visit to the eastern section of the site, park in the eastern car park and enter the down through the smaller of the two gates (the right hand one). Once through the thicket, you reach an area of scrub (Photo 3) which is sheltered by bushes and woodland around its edge. Grizzled Skipper and Small Copper can usually be found in this scrub area at the appropriate time. In summer, Silver-washed Fritillary are present around the woodland edge with Ringlet and Marbled White favouring the scrub/longer grasses. Once again the powerful flight of the Dark Green Fritillary is occasionally seen here too. Common species such as Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Comma and Peacock should also be conspicuous depending on visit timing.

Finally, if visiting in late June or early/mid July, don't miss the opportunity of a minor detour to the good colony of White-letter Hairstreak. From the aforementioned gate by the eastern car park, follow the track for about 400m and take the first minor track to the right. This leads in a few yards to another gate, and on passing through it, you will soon reach some modest sized elms on both sides of the track, where the White-letter colony is located (arrowed on this map). They can often be observed during sunshine flitting around the tops of these trees and engaging in short chases. Whilst nectar sources (like brambles and thistles) are not in good supply along this track, a few observers have been lucky enough to find a White-letter feeding low down - good luck!