Levin Down Nature Reserve

A superb example of chalk grassland and scrub, rich in flowers and butterflies

•   Levin Down nature reserve map

Levin Down is easy to see. As you come over the ridge at Goodwood racecourse it stands alone – a hill covered in natural scrubby grass­land; the olive green hues are so different from the synthetic emerald of the agricultural fields and viridian forestry plantations that form the surrounding landscape. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; indeed the reason that Levin has so much of its wildlife value still intact is hinted at in the name, which is derived from ‘Leave-Alone Hill’, meaning that the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.