Grangelands and Kimble Rifle Range

© Buckinghamshire County Museum

Grangelands and the old Kimble Rifle Range are areas of chalk grassland on the edge of the Chiltern Hills.

Grangelands was ploughed during World War II when there were food shortages and more land was needed to grow crops. Since then it has reverted to grassland and is now owned and managed by Buckinghamshire County Council.

Butterflies can be seen on the grassland throughout the spring and summer months. Brimstones are the first to emerge from their chrysalises on the first warm days in February and March. Common Blue, Marbled White and Chalk-hill Blue emerge in mid-summer and Peacocks and Meadow Browns can be seen until September.

© Richard Bowsher

Grangelands and Kimble Rifle Range are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Regionally Important Geological Site.

Some of the species that can be found on the chalk grassland are:

• Juniper
• Cowslip
• Dwarf Thistle
• Wild Thyme
• Marbled White Butterfly 
• Brimstone Butterfly
• Common Blue Butterfly
• Rabbit

For more information call 01296 696012 or email erc@buckscc.gov.uk

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