A protected area of chalk downland grassland on the steep slopes of the North Downs south of Woldingham village. The site is managed by Natural England and is one of the finest chalk grassland reserves in Surrey. In late spring and early summer the slopes are covered in wildflowers: cowslips, chalk milkwort, horseshoe vetch, and several species of orchid. The walking is open and easy, with good views across the Weald. The site is accessible on foot from Woldingham station; allow 45 minutes to reach the best grassland areas.
Woldingham and Oxted Downs SSSI
Protected chalk grassland SSSI east of Caterham, rich in wildflowers
A story
Woldingham and Oxted Downs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest covering 128 hectares of ancient chalk grassland, one of the largest remaining areas of this habitat in Surrey. Chalk grassland — which takes centuries to develop and disappears quickly under scrub or ploughing — supports species that are absent from most of lowland England. Bee orchids, common spotted orchids, and early purple orchids flower on these slopes in May and June.