Martin and Tidpit Downs
Site of Special Scientific Interest
LocationHampshire
Grid referenceSU 047 193[1]
InterestBiological
Area367.5 hectares (908 acres)[1]
Notification1987[1]
Location mapMagic Map

Martin and Tidpit Downs is a 367.5-hectare (908-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north-west of Fordingbridge in Hampshire.[1][2] Martin Down is a 341-hectare (840-acre) national nature reserve[3] and an area of 115 hectares (280 acres) is a Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I.[4] Bokerley Dyke, a prehistoric linear earthwork and scheduled monument, runs through the site.[5]

This site is rich in prehistoric earthworks, including Bokerley Dyke. It has chalk grassland, heath and scrub, with a rich herb flora. Sheep grazing is increasing the botanical quality of the grassland. There is an outstanding assemblage of butterflies, with 36 species recorded, including marbled white, dark green fritillary, silver-spotted skipper and Duke of Burgundy.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Designated Sites View: Martin and Tidpit Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Map of Martin and Tidpit Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Designated Sites View: Martin Down". National Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  4. ^ Ratcliffe, Derek, ed. (1977). A Nature Conservation Review. Vol. 2. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521-21403-3.
  5. ^ "Bokerley Dyke, and a section of Grim's Ditch, a section of a medieval boundary bank, and two bowl barrows on and north west of Martin Down". Historic England. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  6. ^ "Martin and Tidpit Downs citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 May 2020.

50°58′23″N 1°56′02″W / 50.973°N 1.934°W / 50.973; -1.934

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