About the reserve

Home to some of Dorset’s best-loved and rarest species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers as well as ancient woodland with hazel coppice, meadows, hedgerows, wood pasture and a fast-flowing stream. Green and great spotted woodpeckers frequent the reserve as well as woodcocks, pied and spotted flycatchers, breeding kingfishers and the more common woodland species. Summer brings the riches of wildflowers including several orchids, betony, adder’s tongue fern and common knapweed; butterflies including marsh and silver-washed fritillaries, purple hairstreak and small heath.

Useful Information

From Halstock, the gated entrance is on the left, 20 metres past Bracketts Farm. Alternative entrances via field gates if approaching on foot or by bike, to the south (from Rye Water Lane) and east (via trackway past Ocean Hill Farm).