The Site lies on chalk and, therefore, within the grassland it supports a good range of chalk-loving plants including orchids, eyebright, hemp agrimony, vetches, treffoils and herbs. A thin layer of acidic soil, over the chalk in small patches, supports a limited chalk heath community with wood sage, ling (heather), broom and gorse. Of special note is the presence of columbine (the wild form of Aquilegia), a plant only occasionally found on chalk in woodland. The scrub is varied too - you will find spindle, buckthorn, wild roses and honeysuckle. This plant community supports a wonderful array of butterflies, including the Duke of Burgundy, Pearl-bordered fritillary and Purple Emperor.