Herb Paris © Philip Precey

Hendover Coppice

A peaceful woodland site once used as a place for reflection by monks from the Hillfield Friary

Location

Hilfield

Sherborne

Dorset

DT2 7BE

OS Map Reference

ST6343303810

View on What3Words

gestures.deck.mixes

Know before you go

Size

12 hectares

Entry fee

None

Parking information

At nearby car park in Hilfield

Bicycle parking

None

Grazing animals

None

Walking trails

Linear route across top of woodland and diagonally across the slope. Links to Wessex Ridgeway to the south.

Before you go, please read our reserve safety and visitor information

Please click here for more information and guidance about dogs on Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

Access

Difficult access for those with poor mobility due to steep slopes and an unsurfaced path on the slope through wood. Main entrance via field gate onto grassy path.

Enter the reserve from the gate off the B road to the south of the reserve, or on the path up from the minor road from the Rriary. A well worn path takes you diagonally across the site between these two points. A further path leads across the top of the wood but you are best to return the same way once you reach the end of the wood as descending the slope here means traversing very steep, often slippery ground and can be very difficult. Care should also be taken on the upper track to avoid tripping on the many flints lying at the surface but often hidden by the longer grass. Sturdy footwear is recommended for this path. Be mindful of the possibility of falling branches at all times but particularly following strong winds.

Ticks may be present on site.

Dogs

On a lead

Please remove all dog mess from site. See above for more information about dogs on nature reserves.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring, summer and autumn

About the reserve

History and wildlife combine at Hendover Coppice to create a unique nature experience.

This peaceful woodland was once used as a place for reflection by monks from the nearby Hillfield Friary. The reserve is situated next to the Friary grounds near the village of Batcombe in north Dorset.

Hendover Coppice is a steep-sided copse that is home to a wealth of specialist woodland plants.

A crop of commercial conifers was removed by the last owner, allowing native species, mostly ash with a hazel understorey, to regenerate.

This quiet woodland is home to a variety of woodland birds, particularly listen out for the song of the willow warbler and black cap in spring.

The woodland is home to some rare wildflowers including the beautiful fly orchid and herb-Paris. The latter, with its whorl of four egg-shaped leaves, is known as the 'herb of equality' because all of its parts are considered equal and harmonious. This symmetry appealed to medieval herbalists, so it was used both in marriage rituals and to guard against witches.

Useful Information

Heading north on the A352, turn left after Minterne Magna towards Batcombe and Holywell. The reserve is on the right of this road, situated next to the Hilfield Friary. Parking available at the nearby Hillfield car park (Dorset Council site).