Alpine Meadow

A fine piece of chalk grassland in a wooded valley within the unspoilt Ashridge Woodlands.

Location

On Ashridge Estate

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 1ES

OS Map Reference

SP 989 103

Know before you go

Size

9 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

There is no official parking. The closest place to park and walk in is on the roadside near Bridgewater School in Berkhamsted. From here follow the site entrance directions.

Walking trails

Closeby: Chiltern Way; Hertfordshire Way

Access

Some steep slopes and muddy footpaths. This reserve is surrounded by wider countryside so some walking is required to access.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

Habitat

Lowland calcareous grassland

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

About the reserve

A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Alpine Meadow is a chalk grassland rich in wildflowers and butterflies from spring to autumn. Located in a wooded valley within the unspoilt Ashridge woodlands, visitors can spot a variety of birds feeding throughout the winter, while the warm sloping grassland of the reserve attracts many insects during the summer and the opportunity to spot common lizards by the log piles at the top of the slope.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Blackcap, chiffchaff, common lizard.

Summer: Adder’s-tongue fern, common blue, common spotted orchid, Silver-washed fritillary, small and large white

Autumn: Comma, speckled wood.

Winter: Blue tit, coal tit, long-tailed tit.

Directions

Site entrance: From Bridgewater School in Berkhamsted follow the footpath north for 0.9 miles. Reserve entrance is on main footpath.

Access by road: Take the A4251, Berkhamsted High St, towards Northchurch for 0.25 miles and turn right into Billet Lane, continue over railway line towards Bridgewater School (right then left onto Bridle Way).

Access by public transport
Bus: 30,31, 500, 501 opposite Billet Lane (1.4 miles).
Rail: Berkhamsted (1.9 miles).