Amongst summer meadow flowers flourishing on the chalky soil is the beautifully delicate looking round-headed rampion. This gorgeous purple bloom is the much-loved county flower of Sussex, and is locally known as the ‘pride of Sussex’. Chalk downland is a great place to experience the wonder many species of orchids including the frog orchid, pyramidal orchid, bee orchid, and many others. If you have an interest in orchids keep a look out for some of our orchid walks which are held throughout the summer and led by our knowledgeable ranger staff and specialist experts. Eyebright is a delicate if insignificant looking flower often found on the South Downs. However, close examination reveals a complex internal patterning which closely resembles an iris of the eye. It was named according to something known as the 'doctrine of the signatures'. This stated that herbs resembling various parts of the body could be used by herbalists to treat ailments of those body parts.