Aston Rowant NNR, Nature reserve in the Chiltern Hills, England
Aston Rowant NNR is a nature reserve covering around 159 hectares across the northwestern slope of the Chiltern Hills, with chalk grassland, beech woodland, and juniper scrub. The site displays distinct habitats side by side, each supporting different plant and animal communities.
The site was selected in 1989 by Natural England and the RSPB for red kite reintroduction after these birds of prey nearly vanished from England. This reintroduction effort marked a significant turn in the species' recovery.
The site supports over 30 butterfly species, including chalkhill blue and silver-spotted skippers, which depend on chalk grassland habitats. These insects are deeply connected to the natural landscape and reflect what makes English chalk downs ecologically important.
The reserve can be reached via two car parks at Beacon Hill and Cowleaze Wood, with parking paid through the RingGo app. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and stick to marked trails, as the slopes are steep and uneven in many places.
The 1974 construction of the M40 motorway through the reserve created the Aston Rowant Cutting, exposing ancient chalk layers from the Cretaceous period. This road project inadvertently revealed geology that would otherwise remain hidden.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
