Swyncombe Downs

Swyncombe Downs is a 47.1-hectare (116-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest east of Wallingford in Oxfordshire.[1][2] Part of it is an Iron Age hillfort, Wyfold Castle, which is a Scheduled Monument.[3]

Swyncombe Downs
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of SearchOxfordshire
Grid referenceSU 676 911[1]
InterestBiological
Area47.1 hectares (116 acres)[1]
Notification1984[1]
Location mapMagic Map

This is an area of chalk grassland and scrub on the steep slopes of the Chiltern Hills. The site is described by Natural England as outstanding for its butterflies and moths. Butterflies include the silver-spotted skipper, which is nationally rare, grizzled skipper, grizzled skipper and dark green fritillary. There are day flying moths such as the cistus forester, chimney sweeper and wood tiger.[4]

References
  1. "Designated Sites View: Swyncombe Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  2. "Map of Swyncombe Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  3. "Wyfold Castle". Pastscape. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  4. "Swyncombe Downs citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 29 March 2020.

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