There is a magic carpet of wild flowers on the south east side of Beacon Hill at SP962165, which can be seen from the Beacon car park. It appears as a purple haze from a distance, but on closer inspection the abundant wild thyme is enhanced by yellow bird’s-foot-trefoil, yellow hop trefoil, and white squinancywort. The chalk hills are certainly “alive” at this time of year, ready to mythically transport the traveller to another place!
You can take a closer look by helping Emily with her annual plant survey on the Ivinghoe hills. The first two dates have been arranged for Friday 8th and Thursday 21st of July, meeting at the Beacon car park at 9.30am. This will be the fourth year running for the survey, recording the special flowers which bloom on this SSSI site. (Site of Special Scientific Interest)
Please let Emily know of your interest at emily.smith1@nationaltrust.org.uk
Ashridge Volunteers 