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 - in various places, especially in churchyards and in the woods by the Blackwood Arms 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 - a good display in Withyham churchyard, with small patches elsewhere 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.140 Wendover Circular via The Lee - some nice patches on the way out of Wendover SWC.175 Hever to Ashurst - in Cowden churchyard 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 SWC.362 Hever to Dormans - in Cowden churchyard
	Crocuses Late January to February Mostly seen in parks and gardens, but sometimes adventuring into the wild, usually on village verges. Shoots appear vertically out of the ground and then open up into delightful stars when the weather is mild. You can sometimes see early bees on them. CW1.14 Gomshall to Guildford - a garden to the left about 100 metres after the North Downs Way Bridge across the Wey near the end of the walk usually has a lawn covered with them CW2.12 Guildford to Farnham - a garden on the right about 500 metres along the Wey Navigation near the start of the walk usually has a lawn covered with them SWC.57 Guildford via Chantries Hill Circular - see Gomshall to Guildford walk above SWC.175 Hever to Ashurst - a good display in Cowden churchyard, apparently SWC.362 Hever to Dormans - a good display in Cowden churchyard, apparently
	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.59 Eysnford Circular via Otford - a thick carpet of them in the wood before Paine's Farm in the morning 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: CW2.20 option b Robertsbridge to Battle - scattered about, particularly in the first half of the walk, and a nice display in Battle churchyard 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 CW2.5 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.7 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.9 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.6 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.9 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 SWC.288 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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