There are some wonderful survivals of ancient landscape on the Hertfordshire/ Bedfordshire border. Barton Hills, Hexton Chalk Pit, the Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe are well worth a visit. The flora and fauna of chalk grassland abound and all have sweeping views.

 This photo was taken at Knocking Hoe looking towards Knocking Knoll (on the horizon) which is thought to be the remains of a long barrow.

 From a distance grasslands can seem quite sparse but up close there are treasures to be found. As well as "common" wildflowers (that are not so common these days) there are some real rarities at Knocking Hoe like Moon Carrot, Spotted Catsear, Field Fleawort, Burnt Tip Orchid and (above) Pasque Flower.

 When I was there yesterday I spotted a chap placing little red flags hither and thither. Turned out he was the volunteer warden getting ready to do a count of Pasque Flowers which are doing well this year he reckoned.

 NB for more on the Pasque Flower see entry dated 26th. April 2018 describing my visit to Therfield Heath, another Hertfordshire stronghold of this elusive beauty.