Seale Chalk Pit & Meadow

A hidden gem on the Hogs Back containing fascinating geology and rare chalk flowers.

Located on the slopes of the Hog’s Back near Farnham, Seale Chalk Pit & Meadow is a compact but biodiverse nature reserve that punches far above its size. Managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, this peaceful site was once a working chalk quarry—now transformed into a sloping meadow filled with orchids, bees, and butterflies. Tucked between rural lanes and woodland, it’s a quiet retreat for photographers looking to focus on detail, light, and seasonal change. With every visit, something new emerges—from chalkhill blues fluttering above the grass to foxes slipping through the hedgerow.

Macro, Meadow Light, and Close-Range Encounters

This is a reserve where macro photography shines—chalk grassland flora, sunlit seed heads, and active pollinators abound. Late afternoon light skims beautifully across the slope, creating rich contrasts and bokeh-rich backgrounds. Expect to see marbled whites, common blues, and green hairstreaks dancing among wild thyme and scabious. The open pit walls and winding trails also offer subtle compositional layers for wildlife portraits and habitat shots.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Early orchids and fresh grass growth, bees begin feeding

  • Summer: Butterfly peak with rich meadow bloom, golden evening light

  • Autumn: Seed heads, warm-toned grasses, occasional kestrel sightings overhead

  • Winter: Quiet and sparse, but good for landscape details and textures

Plan Your Visit

  • Parking is limited – best accessed on foot or by bike from Seale or the Hog’s Back

  • The chalk slope can be slippery in wet weather – wear sturdy shoes

  • Bring a macro lens and 300mm+ for capturing butterflies and foxes

  • Reserve is small but rich—move slowly and observe closely

Did you know?

Chalk grassland, like that at Seale Chalk Pit, is one of the most species-rich habitats in Europe. With careful management and grazing, these meadows support dozens of plant and insect species per square metre—and are vanishing rapidly across the UK.