Where to find wild flowers

A selection of the most spectacular wildflowers in the south east of England, when they appear, and which of our walks to find them on. For more detail about the flowers, trees, butterflies and birds to be seen at different times of the year, click the month buttons in the menu at the top of this page.

	Snowdrops Late January to late February The first flower of the year. The best displays are often in churchyards, though they can also be seen on verges near habitation, and occasionally in woods. #cw1.5 Great Missenden to Amersham - in the upper part of Great Missenden churchyard #cw1.9 Shiplake to Henley - a big woodland display at Greys Court #cw1.12 Farnham to Godalming - in various rural house gardens along the route #cw1.20 Milford to Goddalming - in the churchyard of St Peter, Hambledon, and dotted about in other places #cw1.40 Gerrards Cross to Cookham - good displays reported, especially in churchyards #cw1.51 Henley to Pangbourne - in Rotherfield Pepard churchyard, and small patches throughout the walk #cw2.2 Saunderton via Bledlow - in the churchyard of St Mary, Radnage #cw2.6 Henley via Stonor - lots of small to medium patches on verges, especially in the villages in the first half of the walk #cw2.9 Kintbury to Great Bedwyn - a big display in Kintbury churchyard and some on verges in Inkpen #cw2.12 Guildford to Farnham - in the first five miles #cw2.14 Effingham to Westhumble - in the wood just before Ranmore church #swc.29 Ashurst Circular - in Withyham churchyard #swc.53 Overton to Whitchurch - lots of patches around Overton and Freefolk, and a big display in Whitchurch Cemetery #swc.90 Berwick to Seaford - in Berwick churchyard #swc.97 Overton Circular - good displays at Ash, Deane, Steventon churchyard and North Waltham #swc.109 Eridge to Forest Row or East Grinstead - in Withyham churchyard #swc.111 Caterham to Knockholt - a large area on the edge of a wood just before Knockholt Pound #swc.130 Great Chesterford to Newport - good displays throughout the walk #swc.138 Chilham Circular - before and after Godmersham, including one large display in a wood #swc.144 Haslemere to Farnham - many nice patches on verges and in woods throughout the walk #swc.248 Tisbury Circular via Hindon - small clumps throughout, and one patch growing wild in a wood. #swc.292 Islip Circular - especially in the village of Woodeaton, with some also in Beckley #swc.353 Knebworth Circular - plenty throughout the walk, including some sizeable patches in woods
	Celandines Building in number from early March: at best in early April Properly lesser celandines, these flowers carpet many roadside and path verges and sometimes produce intense displays in woodland too. Go out on a warm day to see celandines at their best: they close up tight on cold days and also late in the afternoon. At the right time of year, almost all walks have excellent displays of celandines, but some that stand out are: #cw1.12 Farnham to Godalming - nice displays in places in the morning, eg on the approach to Tilford #cw1.29 Hassocks to Lewes - a thick carpet in one part of Butcher's Wood (beside the path: a diversion from the walk route needed into the wood) near the start of the walk #cw1.29 Hassocks to to Upper Beeding - as for Hassocks to Lewes above #swc.9 Pulborough to Amberley - a bank beside the farm driveway in paragraph 28 is covered with them #swc.78 Cowden to Hever - several woods with good displays at the start of the walk and on the longer route to Cowden. #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn - lots in the morning along lanes and verges, with a big concentration in Staplehurst churchyard #swc.81 Chorleywood to Chesham - an extraordinary celandine wood, just after Chenies: a thick yellow carpet if you can catch it at its best #swc.120 Eridge Circular - along the lane at the start and in Groombridge village #swc.228 Totteridge Circular - lots in the marshy area just beyond Darlands Lake #swc.274 Dorking Circular - along the verges in the morning and on the shorter afternoon #swc.290 Otford Circular via Shoreham - a thick carpet of them in the wood after Paine's Farm in the morning
	Primroses Building throughout March, best at its end, with some lasting into April A classic early spring flower, which can carpet grassy banks or be found in woodland. Small patches can be found on many walks, but the following displays are particularly notable: #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - in Staplehurst churchyard #swc.150 Yalding to Sutton Valence - Ulcombe churchyard on the Harrietsham extension is thickly carpeted with them in late March #swc.151 Harrietsham or Sutton Valence to Pluckley - Ulcombe churchyard on the main walk start is thickly carpeted with them in late March
	Daffodils The second half of March is the best time, with some lasting into April Best known as a flower of parks and gardens, but some can still be found growing wild in the woods.  #swc.3 Cowden to Eridge - there are some wild ones in the woods near the end of the walk #swc.19 Tunbridge Wells Circular - a large area in front of Groombridge Place on the longer ending of this walk. #swc.69 Welwyn Circular - in several places, but particularly the churchyard of Ayot St Peter #swc.120 Eridge Circular - a large area in front of Groombridge Place. #swc.236 Ashurst to Eridge - a large area in front of Groombridge Place. #swc.374 London Stations walk - St James Park usually has a good display #short.19 Royal Parks - Green Park and St James Park often have extensive displays. #short.43 Lesnes Abbey Woods with Bostall Woods - Lesnes Abbey Wood is famous for its wild daffodil displays
	Wood anemones Mid March to mid April, though they some can last till late April Preceding bluebells and less common than them, these flowers cover certain ancient woodlands, overlapping for a week to ten days with bluebells. They look their best when fully open on warm days (as in the photo): on cold days or when dusk is approaching they close up into a bell shape. #cw1.15 Leigh to Tunbridge Wells - a big wood towards the end #cw1.28 Chilham to Canterbury - a number of good woods in the last two thirds of the walk #cw1.36 Borough Green to Sevenoaks - Godden Wood, to the right just before you enter Knole Park #cw1.43 Otford Circular via Romney Street - towards the end of the wooded ridge at the start of the walk #cw1.47 Ockley to Warnham - lots of places throughout the walk, but especially in Chapel Copse just before lunch #cw2.18 Wadhurst Circular - Hole Wood just after Mayfield #cw2.20 option b Robertsbridge to Battle - extensive displays throughout: the best wood anemone walk in the south east #swc.3 Cowden to Eridge - at the end of the walk #swc.19 Tunbridge Wells Circular - around Harrison Rocks and in the woods after High Rocks towards the end of the walk. #swc.21 Sevenoaks Circular - various pathside displays on the Greensand Way between Ightham Mote and One Tree Hill #swc.30 Battle Circular - towards the end of the walk #swc.32 Holmwood to Reigate - several woods in the morning #swc.35 Cuxton to Sole Street - two big woods on option c), the link route to the Snodland to Sole Street walk #swc.37 Knockholt to Otford - at the start of the wooded ridge towards the end of the walk #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - various pathside displays on the Greensand Way between Ightham Mote and One Tree Hill #swc.43 Warlingham Circular - extensive displays in Selsdon Wood #swc.59 Eynsford Circular - in Greenhill Wood, just before Otford #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - two woods in the morning and a big one just after Sissinghurst #swc.106 Ham Street to Appledore - Ham Woods at the start of the walk is possibly the largest wood anemone wood in the South East #swc.109 Eridge to Forest Row and East Grinstead - good displays at the start of the walk #swc.113 Tenterden to Rye - several woods throughout the walk #swc.120 Eridge Circular - along the lane near the start and by Harrison Rocks #swc.121 Canterbury Circular - before Fordwich, and after it on the Sturry Circular route #swc.135 Oxted to Lingfield - Staffhurst Wood #swc.150 Yalding to Sutton Valence - in the large coppiced area on the Harrietsham extension #swc.151 Harrietsham or Sutton Valence to Pluckley - in the large coppiced area on the Harrietsham start #swc.222 Robertsbridge Circular via Brightling - lots on verges #swc.225 Wivelsfield to Hayward's Heath - several good sites, especially near the walk start, in the wood just after lunch, and on the approach to Haywards Heath #swc.228 Totteridge Circular - in the woods around Darlands Lake #swc.236 Ashurst to Eridge - towards the end: near Harrison Rocks and on the lane to Eridge #swc.263 Haslemere to Midhurst via Henley - several woods on the approaches to Henley #short.43 Lesnes Abbey Woods with Bostall Woods - extensive displays in Abbey Wood
	Wood sorrel Late March to early May An elusive woodland flower that often grows in small patches. #cw2.13 Guildford to Gomshall - Old Simm's Copse on the bluebell diversion has lots of patches  #swc.21 Sevenoaks Circular - the wood just before Knole Park always has a few patches #swc.78 Cowden to Hever - small patches in several places, but particularly towards the end of the extension to Cowden #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - plenty in the wood just beyond Dunk's Green, and some small patches also in the wood just before Knole Park #swc.128 Pulborough to Petworth - lots on the tracksides on the edge of Flexham Park, and at other places in the woods on the way into Petworth #swc.263 Haslemere to Midhurst via Henley - lots of small displays throughout the walk
	Dandelions A few in March, then increased concentrations in April, fading in early May Often regarded as a weed rather than a wild flower, dandelions nevertheless can form intense carpets on fields and verges in late April and early May. Unlike many flowers they are also pretty when they go over, producing characteristic globular seedheads. Many people think they then carry on throughout late spring and summer, but what you see then are catsears and hawkbits. There is a small revival in dandelions in September, however. #cw2.20 Robertsbridge Circular - in a hilltop field and orchard on the approach to Salehurst #cw2.20 option b Robertsbridge to Battle - a field just after lunch in Sedlescombe always has good displays. #swc.8 Billingshurst to Amberley- in the vineyard before Nutbourne and the grassy fields on the edge of the village #swc.14 Effingham to Westhumble - there is always a good concentration between the rows of vines on Denbies Wine Estate #swc.79 Edenbridge to Westerham - on the climb up to Ide Hill and on Mariner's Hill on the shorter ending #swc.121 Canterbury Circular - in the orchards around Bekesbourne and the watermeadows just after Sturry #swc.150 Yalding to Sutton Valence - the grassy meadow before Yalding village and later in the apple orchards. #swc.255 Pewsey to Avebury - whole fields can be covered with them in the environs of Avebury
	Bluebells Mid April to the end of the first week in May, but can be a week earlier in warm years or two weeks later in cold ones England's most iconic flower, which forms intense purple-blue carpets in woodlands. #cw1.9 Shiplake to Henley - extensive displays in High Wood on the alternative start: also at Greys Court and Lambridge Wood in the afternoon. #cw1.42 Holmwood to Gomshall - on the detour to Leigh Hill Wood and throughout the walk #cw1.47 Ockley to Warnham - lots of places throughout the walk #cw1.50 Yalding to Borough Green - a large wood in the morning #cw2.05 Tring Circular - Three fine woods: best a week to ten days later than others in this list #cw2.13 Guildford to Gomshall - Old Sims Copse, best early in the season before the bracken grows #cw2.16 Hurst Green to Chiddingstone Causeway - near start and around Ide Hill #cw2.18 Wadhurst Circular - several medium-sized woods around Mayfield #swc.07 Knockholt Circular - several small woods, and one big one in the afternoon #swc.17 Goring Circular - in the afternoon, apparently #swc.19 Tunbridge Wells Circular - good displays before lunch and in the afternoon #swc.20 Sevenoaks to Westerham - after the A21 crossing in the morning and on the approaches to Ide Hill #swc.21 Sevenoaks Circular - good displays around One Tree Hill #swc.32 Holmwood to Reigate - several woods in the morning and two in the afternoon #swc.35 Cuxton to Sole Street - a ridge late morning is one long bluebell wood #swc.36 Amersham Circular via Chalfont St Giles - in Pollards Wood in the morning #swc.39 Amberley to Pulborough - on the descent off the downs and in the lowland areas #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - good woods throughout #swc.43 Whyteleaf to Woldingham - fine displays throughout #swc.57 Guildford via Chantries Hill Circular - big display on Chantries Hill #swc.68 Rowlands Castle Circular - several small woods at the start and the finish #swc.79 Edenbridge to Westerham - particularly around Ide Hill #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - one mile-long wood mid morning, and some in the wood after Sissinghurst Castle #swc.106 Ham Street to Appledore - good woods at the start and mid afternoon #swc.109 Eridge to Forest Row and East Grinstead - three woods in the morning and one in the afternoon #swc.111 Caterham to Knockholt - several woods along the North Downs Way escarpment #swc.113 Tenterden to Rye - large woods before Wittersham and Peasmarsh #swc.120 Eridge Circular - small woods throughout, especially if you take option b in section 3 and the shorter ending via Harrison Rocks #swc.121 Canterbury Circular - before Fordwich, and after it on the Sturry Circular route #swc.127 Pewsey Circular - several impressive woods #swc.128 Pulborough to Petworth - several pleasant medium-sized displays scattered through the walk #swc.146 Witley to Ewhurst - a number of woods throughout the walk #swc.131 Guildford to Horsley - big display on Chantries Hill #swc.173 Meopham to Rochester - three woods in the morning, and one on the circular walk in the afternoon #swc.175 Hever to Ashurst - several good woods, apparently #swc.177 Chipstead to Kingswood - several good woods, apparently #swc.225 Wivelsfield to Hayward's Heath - several good sites, especially near the walk start, in the wood just after lunch, and on the approach to Haywards Heath #swc.236 Ashurst to Eridge - one good wood late morning and three after lunch #swc.243 Goring via Hill Bottom Circular - a number of good-sized woods throughout the walk #swc.255 Pewsey Circular - the northern side West Wood just south of Lockeridge has a huge area of bluebells #swc.256 Kemble Circular - in Hailey Wood and on the Bathurst Estate #swc.263 Haslemere to Midhurst via Henley - several woods on the approaches to Henley and an interesting grassy "bluebell valley" on the golf course before Cowdray Park #swc.290 Otford via Shoreham Circular - on the wooded ridge after lunch #swc.300 Penshurst Circular via Bough Beech - a number of small woods, particularly in the morning. #swc.353 Knebworth Circular - extensive woods on the main walk and the route into Hitchin #swc.373 Henley Circular via Rotherfield Greys - before and after Binfield Heath #short.11 Wanstead Park - has a famous area of bluebells #short.46 Beckenham Place Park - in the western part of the park #short.50 Osterley Park - in Osterley Park itself
	Apple blossom Variable timing - usually late April is best, but it can be earlier in the month or not till May You do see wild apple blossom (crab apples), but the following walks feature large commercial apple orchards: #cw1.36 Borough Green to Sevenoaks - large orchards in the morning #cw2.21 Pluckley Circular - between Little Chart and Pluckley #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - late morning #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - Sissinghurst Castle has a National Trust-managed orchard, and there is a commercial orchard near to Sissinghurst village #swc.121 Canterbury Circular - particularly around Bekesbourne #swc.150 Yalding to Sutton Valence - apple orchards throughout #swc.337 East Malling to Maidstone - in the morning and near West Malling
	Oilseed rape Usually sometime in April, but timing very variable: can be seen as early as late March or well into May An arable crop rather than a wildflower, but its big blocks of yellow are a cheerful sight in the spring landscape. Because it is a crop, it is impossible to predict where it will be planted in any one year, but as it is planted in rotation with wheat, fields that have it one year are quite likely to have it in two or three year's time. The following walks have had good displays in the past: #cw2.5 Tring Circular - around Aldbury and Ivinghoe Beacon at the start of the walk #cw2.10 Alton Circular - the arable fields near the start and around Upper Farringdon #cw2.12 Guildford to Farnham - on the Loseley Park estate and the Hog's Back start #cw2.16 Hurst Green to Chiddingstone Causeway - between Ide Hill and the end of the walk #cw2.21 Pluckley Circular - particularly after Elvey Farm on the extension route #cw2.30 Dover to Deal - large arable fields adjoining the cliff top path before and after St Margaret's, and in particular on option b) #swc.16 Dorking to Reigate - around Betchworth #swc.21 Sevenoaks Circular - after Shipbourne on the extra loop #swc.35 Cuxton to Sole Street - around Upper Bush on the main start #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - around Shipbourne #swc.49 Cholsey to Goring - in the first two thirds of the walk #swc.68 Rowlands Castle Circular - several places on the walk #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - between Frittenden and Sissinghurst #swc.113 Tenterden to Rye - in the big open country between Smallhythe and Peasmarsh: also around Rye #swc.121 Canterbury Circular - in the early section before Bekesbourne #swc.151 Harrietsham or Sutton Valence to Pluckley - particularly towards the end on the approaches to Elvey Farm #swc.173 Cuxton to Halling - around Upper Bush and Upper Halling #swc.185 Guildford Circular via Albury Park - at the end between Chilworth and Shalford #swc.216 Kelvedon Circular - almost anywhere on the walk #swc.219 Hildenborough to Hadlow - almost anywhere on the walk #swc.220 Tonbridge to Hadlow - almost anywhere on the walk #swc.234 Hitchin Circular - almost anywhere on the walk #swc.330 Penshurst via Bough Beech Circular - in the early stages of the walk #swc.396 Box Hill Circular via Betchworth - around Betchworth
	Wild garlic (ramsons) Can be seen quite early in April, but late April and early May is usually the peak time, with some lasting well into May Another flower which carpets woodlands, often in shady and secluded spots by streams. You often smell it before you see it. Special note: it has become fashionable recently to pick wild garlic as a food ingredient. If you do this, then please only take one leaf per plant, rather than devastating whole patches, and ideally pick in an area that is not easily visible from a footpath. Picked patches are unsightly for the many people who come to enjoy the beauty of nature, not to see it devastated. So please think of others and forage responsibly. #cw1.19 Hever to Leigh - just beyond Hever Castle #cw1.36 Borough Green to Sevenoaks - nice patches throughout the walk #cw1.47 Ockley to Warnham - one patch around St John the Baptist's church in the morning and two large ones in the afternoon #cw1.49 Boxhill to Leatherhead - an excellent display near the start of the walk around the stepping stones and bridge across the River Mole #cw1.50 Yalding to Borough Green - reports of a large wood near the end of the walk #cw1.53 Wye Circular - a large wood mid morning just after leaving the North Downs Way #cw2.5 Tring Circular - on the slope leading up to Ward's Hurst Farm #cw2.20 Robertsbridge Circular - in several places in the first five miles #swc.2 Woldingham to Oxted - lots throughout the walk, apparently #swc.19 Tunbridge Wells Circular - just beyond Harrison Rocks and just before High Rocks on the longer version of the walk: also a small patch in the woods towards the end of the main walk #swc.20 Sevenoaks to Westerham - several large areas in the morning just after the crossing of the A21 and on the ridge a little way before Ide Hill #swc.21 Sevenoaks Circular - a good wood after Ightham Mote on the Greensand Way #swc.40 East Grinstead Circular - along a stream on the shorter start and on the town ending of the longer afternoon #swc.41 Yalding to Sevenoaks - a good wood after Ightham Mote on the Greensand Way #swc.68 Rowlands Castle Circular - several woods throughout the walk #swc.78 Cowden to Hever - in the wooded dells near the start of the walk and also on the approaches to Hever #swc.111 Caterham to Knockholt - lots near the start #swc.113 Tenterden to Rye - an extensive area about 2km into the walk #swc.120 Eridge Circular - just before Harrison Rocks on the short cut. #swc.129 Berwick to Birling Gap - on the slope as you descend towards Jevington #swc.175 Hever to Ashurst - good displays, apparently #swc.225 Wivelsfield to Hayward's Heath - a nice area mid morning #swc.228 Totteridge Circular - a large patch just beyond Darland's Lake #swc.313 Rowlands Castle Grand Circular - good displays throughout the walk, apparently #swc.329 Dormans to Lingfield - good displays, apparently #swc.396 Box Hill Circular via Betchworth - just after Betchworth village and towards the end by the stepping stones and bridge across the River Mole
	Woodruff Late April to May A rather shy little woodland flower that can nevertheless make quite impressive displays if growing in sufficient concentrations. #cw2.1 Wendover Circular - in many places throughout the walk #cw2.5 Tring Circular - on the woodland section of the short cut route between Ivinghoe Beacon and the Bridgewater Monument
	Cowslips Possible from March, but late April and early May is the best time These cheerful flowers can sometimes grow in great profusion on downland in early spring, particularly if there is sufficient rain. #cw1.53 Wye Circular - intense displays in 2023 on the fields at the start of the Crundale Downs #cw2.5 Tring Circular - good concentrations on the downland between Pitstone Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon #cw2.23 Hassocks to Upper Beeding - lots on the downs just before the final descent into Upper Beeding #cw2.28 Seaford to Eastbourne - good displays to be seen around Birling Gap. #swc.4 Merstham to Tattenham Corner - on the downland sections in the first half of the walk #swc.7 Knockholt Circular - a large field of them in the valley before Cudham #swc.8 Billingshurst to Amberley - in the field at the top of the climb up onto the downs, near the end of the walk #swc.43 Warlingham Circular - on the downland margins of Fairleigh Golf Course #swc.60 Eastbourne to East Dean - as for CW2 walk 28 above #swc.82 Hayes to Knockholt - a large field of them in the valley before Cudham #swc.290 Otford Circular via Shoreham - in Magpie Bottom
	Cow parsley May - usually the first three weeks Cow parsley lines many paths and lane in the south east in great drifts of creamy white, so it can be seen on almost any country walk at this time of year. Listed here are walks have been reported as having particularly good displays: #cw1.8 Bures to Sudbury - good displays throughout the walk, apparently #cw2.8 Marlow Circular - good displays on the riverside sections, apparently #swc.3 Cowden to Eridge #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranbrook - lots along the paths in the morning #swc.81 Chorleywood to Chesham #swc.91 Baldock Circular - "fringes almost every path" #swc.190 Thame Circular - especially in the morning #swc.194 Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Aylesbury #swc.291 Farningham Road to Otford - throughout, but particularly around Farningham and Eysnford
	Buttercups From mid May, peaking in late May and early June A very common flower making intense displays in unmown fields and pastureland. There are both tall (meadow buttercup) and short grass (creeping buttercup, bulbous buttercup) varieties. #cw1.8 Bures to Sudbury - various fields throughout the walk and a good display on Sudbury Common #cw1.39 Manningtree Circular - in the first half of the walk #cw2.14 Effingham to Westhumble - on Effingham Common at the start of the walk #cw2.15 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South - on Riddlesdown and Kenley Common #cw2.25 Lewes via West Firle Circular - on Mount Caburn #swc.3 Cowden to Eridge - especially in the morning #swc.4 Merstham to Tattenham Corner - in the pasture fields in the afternoon #swc.9 Pulborough to Amberley - between Amberley village and the River Arun on the longer river ending #swc.11 Amberley Circular - between the River Arun and Amberley village #swc.31 Huntingdon Circular - thick carpets of them in the watermeadows by the Great Ouse #swc.24 Sandling to Wye - the morning of this walk has wonderful displays in late May (see photo) #swc.40 East Grinstead Circular - in various places, but particularly on the morning legs #swc.47 Lewes Circular via Glynde and Southease - on the downs, for example Mount Caburn #swc.67 Salisbury to Amesbury via Stonehenge - good displays towards the end of the walk #swc.81 Chorleywood to Chesham - particularly in the Chess Valley in the morning of the walk #swc.108 Burgess Hill to Hassocks - in the fields in the first two miles and before Hurstpierpoint #swc.115 Moreton-in-Marsh Circular - particularly towards the end of the walk #swc.181 Lewes to Seaford via West Firle - on Mount Caburn #swc.190 Thame Circular - several fields at the start of the walk and lots in the afternoon #swc.194 Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Aylesbury - extensive displays throughout #swc.208 Etchingham to Wadhurst - near the start, on the Robertsbridge start, and on the loops to Bewl Water #swc.224 Kingham to Moreton in Marsh - several fine meadows mid afternoon #swc.228 Totteridge Circular - in the afternoon along the Dollis Brook valley #swc.253 Hollingbourne Circular - on the North Downs ridge #swc.367 Hurst Green to Riddlesdown - on Riddlesdown #swc.396 Box Hill Circular via Betchworth - towards the end of the walk
	Oxeye daisies Late May and early June is the best time These oversize daisies are very common on grassy verges and banks, for example alongside railway lines. You also get some good displays on shingle beaches (see below) and more rarely a whole field covered with them. #cw1.23 Otford to Eynsford - a big display around Lullingstone #cw2.30 Dover to Deal - The beach south of Walmer is a riot of oxeye daisies in late May and early June.
	Poppies June or early July is the best time Though small numbers of poppies can be found growing on verges and field edges throughout the summer, the most intense displays are found in June or early July in fallow or organic arable fields or on recently disturbed ground. Poppies are opportunists and you never quite know where they will appear each year, but the following are walks that have had good displays in the past. #cw1.31 Glynde to Seaford - the approach to Alfriston on this walk sometimes has a field full of poppies #cw1.32 Arundel to Amberley - on the downs towards the end of the walk #cw2.17 Snodland to Sole Street - especially the Sole Street Circular variation: the fields around Luddesdown always used to be a good area for poppies, but have now become a vineyard: it remains to be seen how the poppies will fare in this new environment. #cw2.22 Amberley to Arundel - between Amberley and Burpham #swc.49 Cholsey to Goring - a big display reported in 2018 #swc.65 Southease to Rottingdean or Brighton - on the downs between Southease and Rottingdean: Balsdean Farm just before Rottingdean often has a large field of them #swc.173 Meopham to Rochester - the afternoon of the circular route back to Sole Street or Meopham passes the new Luddesdown vineyard. Historically this area was an organic farm and good for poppies; it remains to be seen how they will fare under the new regime. #swc.239 Halnaker to Chichester - by Halnaker House and in the valley below The Trundle #swc.234 Hitchin Circular - report of a large poppy field after lunch
	Orchids June is the best time The best place to find orchids is usually on downland where common spotted orchids are common throughout June and pyramidal orchids later in the month. Fragrant orchids and twayblades are also relatively easy to find, while more rarely you may come across bee orchids. All the walks listed in the Downland Flowers section below may have orchids but some of the better spots are: #cw1.4 Pangbourne Circular - this walk passes the base of Hartslock Hill, which is a good place for Lady and Monkey orchids #cw2.8 Marlow Circular - towards the end of Homefield Wood (paragraph 64) there is a small downland reserve that is one of only three sites in the country where the military orchid grows. #swc.09 Pulborough to Amberley - the climb up onto the downs at the end #swc.59 Eynsford Circular - the downland slopes just before Otford: the whole west-facing slope (not on the walk route) from there to Shoreham is a very good orchid spot. #swc.60 Eastbourne to East Dean - the downland slopes facing the sea on the way up to Beachy Head #swc.64 Box Hill Circular - towards the end of the main walk, on the approach to Boxhurst, the route runs along a bridleway along the front of the escarpment: the grassy slope uphill to the right here is a good place to spot orchids. About a mile east of Box Hill Betchworth Quarry (not on the walk route) is another good spot. #swc.170 Pangbourne via Goring Circular - Hartslock Hill, reached by an optional side path on this walk, has a rare hybrid monkey-lady orchid #swc.289 Shoreham Circular - Fackenden Down at the start of the southern loop is an excellent orchid site Late April and early May also the time to see the early purple orchid, which mostly thrives in woodland but can be found in more open spots: #cw1.47 Ockley to Warnham - the diversion to the alternative lunch pub has a wood full of them #swc.80 Staplehurst to Headcorn or Cranborne - the big bluebell wood in the morning usually has some #swc.60 Eastbourne to East Dean - on the slopes around Birling Gap #swc.113 Tenterden to Rye - in the wild garlic wood near the start
	Shingle beach flowers June is the best time, but they can be found right through the summer Where undisturbed by human feet, the shingle beaches of the south east can sport an amazing variety of specialist flowers. #cw1.3 Netley to Botley - along the edge of Southampton Water #cw2.26 Southease to Seaford - at the end of the walk if you turn right rather than left onto the wild beach between Seaford and Newhaven, this is an excellent area for shingle species. #cw2.28 Seaford to Eastbourne - Cuckmere Haven, particularly on the eastern side of the river #cw2.30 Dover to Deal - the beach south of Walmer has the best display of shingle flowers in the south east (see photo) #swc.06 Amberley to Shoreham by Sea - Shoreham beach right at the end of the walk #swc.90 Berwick to Seaford - Cuckmere Haven, though for the best displays visit the east side of the beach (a small diversion off the East Dean ending), rather than the west side which is the main route of this walk. The area of wild beach between Seaford and Newhaven just beyond the end of the walk is also excellent for shingle flowers. #swc.154 Rye to Dungeness and Lydd - the remote spit of Dungeness is a refuge for many unusual shingle species #swc.395 Newhaven Circular - towards the end of the walk on Bishopstone Beach
	Downland flowers Late June to August, but this can vary depending on the weather: generally more rain means more flowers. In places downland flowers linger well into September. The chalk downland of the south east is one of the richest floral environments in Europe, supporting numerous species of flowers. The South Downs are particularly good areas to see them, but they also occur on grassland on the North Downs too. #cw1.23 Otford to Eynsford - near Shoreham in the morning and Lullingstone Country Park in the afternoon #cw2.8 Marlow Circular - towards the end of Homefield Wood (paragraph 64) there is a small downland reserve to the left which has an excellent range of species #cw2.15 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon - on Riddlesdown itself (though the best displays are up off the path on the top of the down to the left): also on Kenley Common, in Happy Valley and on Farthing Downs. #cw2.22 Amberley to Arundel - really beautiful displays in the morning section #cw2.23 Hassocks to Upper Beeding - throughout, but particularly on Wolstonbury Hill and near the end #cw2.24 Lewes to Saltdean - throughout #cw2.25 Lewes via West Firle - throughout as far as Southease #cw2.28 Seaford to Eastbourne - throughout, but particularly on Seaford Head. On the Seven Sisters and from Birling Gap to Beachy Head the best displays are found about 100 metres inland, rather than on the coast path itself #cw2.30 Dover to Deal - good displays from Langdon Hole to Kingsdown #swc.09 Pulborough to Amberley - the climb up onto the downs at the end usually has a very fine display #swc.26 Amberley to Lancing or Shoreham - throughout #swc.59 Eynsford Circular - fine displays just before Otford #swc.60 Eastbourne to East Dean - rich displays on the way to Beachy Head that often last into September: also on the inland slopes (facing the road) from Beachy Head to Birling Gap #swc.64 Box Hill Circular - towards the end of the main walk, on the approach to Boxhurst, the route runs along a bridleway along the front of the escarpment: a very fine slope of downland flowers is uphill to the right here. The last descent of Box Hill is also a good spot. #swc.289 Shoreham Circular - Fackenden Down and Polhill Bank on the southern loop,  Lullingstone Country Park on the northern loop #swc.290 Otford Circular via Shoreham - in Magpie Bottom and on Pollhill Bank #swc.291 Farningham Road to Eynsford - Lullingstone Country Park in the afternoon #swc.396 Box Hill Circular via Betchworth - Box Hill, Brockham Quarry and Betchworth Quarry are all excellent sites.
	Lavender Late June to late July A commercial crop, which is usually harvested in late July. #swc.59 Eynsford Circular - just south of Lullingstone on the shorter afternoons, options b & c #swc288 Moreton-in-Marsh Grand Circular - after Snowshill #swc.289 Shoreham Circular - on the northern loop, just south of Lullingstone
	Heather Mid to late August is the best time for normal heather, though some is out in late July or until mid September. The more intensely colourful bell heather is at its best in late July, though some lasts till late August. The extensive heaths of Surrey and Ashdown Forest are the best places. #cw1.22 Haslemere Circular - in the afternoon, on Black Down #cw1.27 Milford to Haslemere - extensive heaths around Thursley and the Devil's Punchbowl #cw2.12 Guildford to Farnham - Puttenham and Crooksbury Commons particularly good for bell heather. #swc.19 Tunbridge Wells Circular - in Broadwater Warren #swc.23 Forest Row Circular - particularly in the mid section #swc.48 Haslemere to Midhurst via Lurgashall - in the morning, on Black Down #swc.72 Yarmouth Circular - on Headon Hill, between Totland Bay and Alum Chine #swc.74 Bournemouth to Barton on Sea - on Hengistbury Head: particularly good for bell heather #swc.96 Ash Vale Circular - on the army ranges towards the end of the walk #swc.110 Ashurst to Forest Row: both bell heather and ordinary heather on the Ashdown Forest ridge mid afternoon #swc.117 Aldermaston to Woolhampton via Stanford Dingley - on Bucklebury Common #swc.132 Horsted Keynes Circular - just after lunch #swc.144 Haslemere to Farnham - extensive heaths around the Devil's Punchbowl and Thursley #swc.178 Oxshott to Ashtead - on Oxshott Heath and Esher Common #swc.184 Bentley to Farnham - Frensham Common midway through the walk #swc.185 Guildford Circular via Albury Park - Albury Heath midway through the walk #swc.189 West Drayton to Cookham - on Stoke Common #swc.237 Ash Circular - extensive areas on the army ranges #swc.263 Haslemere to Midhurst via Henley - in the morning, on Black Down (especially on the shorter start) #swc.266 Sheffield to Bamford via Burbage Rocks and Stanage Edge - not in the south east, but a stunning walk in season, with heather in flower throughout, and just about reachable on a day trip from London #swc.412 Sandy to Arlesey - in Sandy Warren at the start of the walk #short.17 West End and Esher Commons - on Oxshott Heath and Esher Common

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