Howell Hill

An area of chalk downland with old chalk spoil heaps that are rich in wildflowers, managed on behalf of Surrey County Council.

Tucked beside the racecourse on the edge of Epsom, Howell Hill is a chalk grassland jewel. Small but bursting with biodiversity, this Surrey Wildlife Trust reserve transforms into a tapestry of colour during spring and summer, with orchids, scabious, and knapweed lighting up the slopes. Butterfly activity is constant, and warblers flit between scrub patches. For macro and telephoto wildlife photographers, Howell Hill is a featured FeatherFrame location—a perfect spot for capturing fine detail, pollinator interaction, and meadow rhythm in natural light.

Macro Dreams and Open Grassland Composition

This reserve excels in close-up storytelling. Chalkhill blue, marbled white, and small skipper butterflies are abundant in peak season, often landing on wildflowers in open light. Use a shallow depth of field to isolate subjects against a clean grassland backdrop. The sloping terrain allows for eye-level shots with insects and birds alike, and early morning dew or late-day backlight gives scenes a magical softness. Howell Hill’s small scale makes it ideal for slow-paced, immersive nature photography—exactly the kind FeatherFrame celebrates.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Wildflower emergence, including cowslips and early orchids

  • Summer: Butterfly peak, with dozens of species feeding in full sun

  • Autumn: Seedheads and backlit grasses for soft-focus compositions

  • Winter: Sparse and quiet, but great for structural shots and minimal macro

Plan Your Visit

  • Free roadside parking near the Epsom Downs racecourse entrance

  • Compact site—walk slowly and scan low for hidden subjects

  • Macro lens is essential; a 300mm+ telephoto helps with warblers and insects in scrub

  • FeatherFrame recommends visiting just after sunrise or just before sunset for best natural light

Did you know?

Howell Hill is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with over 150 flowering plant species per hectare. Its chalk grassland habitat supports an exceptional range of butterflies and pollinators—making it one of FeatherFrame’s flagship spots for ethical macro photography and quiet conservation storytelling.