Yoesden

Yoesden is a nature reserve of 13 hectares in Bledlow Ridge, Buckinghamshire. It sits within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is run by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. The reserve contains both woodland and grassland habitats. A steep chalk meadow slopes down from the beech woodland above. The site is known for its rich wildlife, especially butterflies and orchids. The chalk meadow supports three scarce blue butterflies: the Adonis, chalkhill and small blue. Fragrant orchids and common spotted orchids grow among the grass. Beech woodland above the slope is home to great spotted woodpeckers and red kites. Lower woodland areas contain beech and yew trees. The reserve’s slopes and varied vegetation create ideal conditions for these species. Visitors reach the reserve by a footpath starting from Chinnor Road near the Boot public house. The Chiltern Way long-distance trail passes through the site. The footpath leads up to the chalk meadow and beech woodland. Wildflowers and butterflies can be seen along the route. The views across the Chilterns open up from the higher slopes. The reserve offers quiet walking amid well-preserved habitats.