Morgan’s Hill, Nr Calne

Leader: Mike Williams. Leader requires transport. To book contact Tom Rogers.
Start: 11:00
Finish: 15:00 approx.
Meet: Smallgrain Picnic Area car park between Bishops Cannings and Quemerford, Calne, Wilts. Nearest Post Code SN10 2LP OS LR 173 EXP 157 (SU 019 670) what3words:///sharp.police.variously
Focus: Flora & Fauna
Description: This is an excellent example of a chalk grassland site with botanical and invertebrate interest. Around this date last year, there were 8 species of Orchids in flower in and around the disused quarry, including rarities such as Fly, Frog, Lesser Butterfly, Chalk Fragrant and Marsh Helleborine. Musk Orchid also flowers in some years. Many other grassland species will also be in flower. Uncommon butterflies such as Adonis Blue and Dark Green Fritillary are also possible.
The site also has archaeological interest and is famously the point at which the Wansdyke joins with a Roman road. We will walk along the Wansdyke ditch, where there are further orchids and other wildlife to be found. Some of the views at this site are incredible.
The terrain is very variable, with some steep slopes – walking boots are recommended. Ticks and Adders may be present, and the site is often frequented by dog walkers. In addition, livestock may be present, although there weren’t any on site last year.
There are no facilities, and attendees should bring their own lunch and plenty to drink. The site is very exposed, so bring sun cream and a hat if sunny, and waterproofs if wet.

Please book with the Tom Rogers in advance. Members can find contact details in their Spring/Summer 2026 newsletter. This has several benefits for all meetings: the Leader is aware who is coming and can deal with any queries before the meeting (such as car-sharing, if required); in the unlikely event that arrangements need to change or the meeting has to be cancelled, attendees can all be contacted promptly and easily.
If you have booked but then are unable to attend, please contact the leader as soon as possible. The leader can then contact other members if there is a waiting list.