occasional findings of dragon's-teeth (Tetragonolobus maritimus) and fern-grass (Catapodium rigidum). However, the chief glory of Noar Hill derives from its orchids. At least eleven species have been identified: Twayblade (Neottia ovata) Autumn lady's tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) Musk orchid (Herminium monorchis) Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) Fragrant orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea, including × Dactylodenia st-quintinii) Frog orchid Coeloglossum viride, including × Dactyloglossum mixtum) Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) Southern marsh orchid (D. praetermissa) Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula) Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera) Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) The colony of musk orchids runs to approximately 10,000 spikes and is of national importance. High Common, surrounded by botanically impoverished farmland, provides both a refuge for chalk downland species and a reservoir from which recolonization of nearby areas is possible. The habitat restoration being undertaken at Selborne Common may be one beneficiary. Fauna Noar Hill is home to the only British species of the curious fairy shrimp (Chirocephalus diaphanus), which lives in puddles on the tracks and survives as an egg when the mud dries. Glow-worms (Lampyris noctiluca) are occasionally seen over the reserve on summer evenings. Grasshoppers abound, including the rufous grasshopper (Gomphocerippus rufus). The butterflies include marbled white (Melanargia galathea), brown argus (Aricia agestis), Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina), brown hairstreak (Thecla betulae), and holly blue (Celastrina argiolus), besides large numbers of more common species. The reserve is a good place to look for slowworms (Anguis fragilis). It supports breeding turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur); and green woodpeckers (Picus viridis), which are fond of feeding on ants, are frequent. Several pairs of common buzzards (Buteo buteo) are resident in the area and the rabbits on High Common are a favourite prey. The hen harrier Circus cyaneus is an occasional winter visitor. For some reason – perhaps the abundance of rosehips – bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) are always to be found upon the hill. Notes References Brewis, Anne, et al. (1996) The Flora of Hampshire. Harley Books, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Hampshire Hills of Hampshire Nature Conservation Review sites Special Areas of Conservation in England