Aldbury Nowers
Know before you go
Entry fee
FreeParking information
No official parking. Limited parking in layby of Northfield Road. The reserve is 0.2 miles along the track just before the layby (there is a public footpath arrow opposite the track). Additional parking is at the National Trust’s Pitstone carpark.Grazing animals
Grazing sheep from October - March.Walking trails
The Ridgeway National Trail links the two areas of the reserve.
Access
The reserve has some steep slopes and muddy footpaths and isn’t suitable for wheelchairs
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to AugustAbout the reserve
Situated on the Chiltern escarpment, the warm south-west facing slopes of this reserve are home to a wonderful array of chalk grassland flowers. This habitat supports 30 different species of butterfly, making it one of the most outstanding butterfly habitats in Hertfordshire, as well as a great place to spot a range of solitary bees. The site contains one of the best remaining areas of chalk downland in the county and a very fine example of ancient ‘beech hanger’ woodland.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Blackcap, brown argus, dingy and grizzled skipper, garden warbler, orange tip.
Summer: Clustered bellflower, dark green and silver-washed fritillary, marbled white, meadow brown, ringlet, small blue, whitethroat.
Autumn: Comma, fieldfare, small copper, redwing.
Winter: Buzzard, goldcrest, nuthatch, red kite, treecreeper.
Environmental designation
Directions
Site entrance:The reserve is in two parts; accessible from the Ridgeway National Trail. The southern area can be accessed from Northfield Road while the northern area is a short walk from here and can also accessed by walking from Pitstone Hill.
Access by road: From Tring town centre take Station Road to Tring Station and Aldbury. Just beyond the railway bridge turn left onto Northfield Road.
Access by public transport
Bus: 387, Tring Station (0.5 miles).
Rail: Tring (0.5 miles).