West Yatton Down

West Yatton Down (grid reference ST852760) is a 14.4 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Wiltshire, notified in 1971.

West Yatton Down in June 2007

The site is an example of unimproved limestone grassland. Among the more notable plants species are bastard-toadflax (Thesium humifusum), Dyer's greenweed (Genista tinctoria), and musk orchid (Herminium monorchis). Other species present include yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), devil's-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis), bee orchid (Ophrys apifera), tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and upright brome (Bromus erectus).

The site is also of interest for invertebrates. Twenty-five butterfly species have been recorded, including chalkhill blue, Duke of Burgundy, pearl-bordered fritillary and green hairstreak.

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