Lydden Temple Ewell - The James Teacher Reserve
A species diverse ancient grassland with marginal woodland.
Know before you go
Size
90 hectares
Grazing animals
CattleWalking trails
Very steep and rugged downland scarp slopes.
Access
Not Wheelchair accessible. There is a steep narrow path and there are kissing gates/rambler gates. The surface is chalk/grass, steep, uneven and slippery and muddy when wet.
Dogs
On a lead
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
May to AugustAbout the reserve
One of Europe's finest surviving chalk downlands, this reserve contains areas of chalk downland, ancient semi-natural grassland and marginal woodland. It is rich in species and chalk flowers include burnt-tip and early spider orchid. It is a good site for butterflies such as common, Adonis and chalkhill blues as well as a number of grasshoppers and bush-crickets, including the largest British species, the great green bush-cricket. Bird species include skylark and some birds of prey.
Contact us
Environmental designation
Local Wildlife Site (LWS)
National Nature Reserve (NNR)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)