Ringstead Downs (credit: David North)
Tree roots at Ringstead Downs (credit: David North)
Ringstead Downs (credit: David North)
Ringstead Downs
One of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in Norfolk. The attractive, steep-sided valley of Ringstead Downs is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
Location
From Ringstead, east of Hunstanton, take the road south to Sedgeford. Look out for a track to the nature reserve on the right.
Access is from the permissive bridleway through the Downs, running from the village of Ringstead to the A149 at its junction with Downs Road, Hunstanton. Please note that the adjacent woodland is strictly private.
Access is from the permissive bridleway through the Downs, running from the village of Ringstead to the A149 at its junction with Downs Road, Hunstanton. Please note that the adjacent woodland is strictly private.
PE36 5JZ
OS Map Reference
TF 706 399
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Dawn till dusk, every day, all year roundBest time to visit
Spring and summerAbout the reserve
Ringstead Downs is part of the Norfolk coast’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On a sunny spring or summer day, it is a perfect place to take a stroll.
The reserve gives us a glimpse of how much of our ancient countryside would have looked many years ago. This dry chalk valley was carved out by glacial meltwaters. Due to the resulting steep sides, the downland has never been ploughed or farmed. This has ensured that Ringstead has remained rich in wildlife, with many interesting plants and invertebrates, including twenty different species of butterflies recorded.
Species
Habitat
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