About the reserve

Once an 18^th century deer park, Greenhill Down Nature Reserve has an impressive view across the Dorset hills to Milton Abbey School and grounds, and on a clear day you can see as far as Thomas Hardy’s Monument.

The reserve itself is situated a mile from the village of Hilton and access is on foot along the road and through several gates. The trip is well worth it, as wildlife fans and walkers alike will be met with majestic veteran trees, hazel copse and rough pastureland.

On the steeper slopes, where chalk is exposed, uncommon plants such as rock-rose and dwarf thistle come through in a shorter, finer grassland and butterflies such as brown argus, grizzled and dingy skipper may be found.

In early summer, glow worms can occasionally be seen shining their lights in the balmy evenings and the reserve is home to various different bats which can be seen wheeling overhead. Green woodpeckers search for ants in the grass and hazel copse is an ideal habitat for the adorable, but elusive, dormouse.

A dew pond was restored on the western side of the reserve, this is now a thriving haven for damsel and dragonflies and both palmate and great-crested newt.

In the spring, the mixture of ancient trees, scrub and woodland plays host to a variety of breeding birds.

Useful Information

Leave the A354 at Milborne St. Andrew, following signs for Milton Abbas, then Hilton. If arriving by car you will need to park in Hilton village but please do not obstruct the church.  Walk up the road directly opposite church for about a mile following as it becomes a track way. Enter the reserve through the gate at the end of the track.