Lyscombe

The largest single land acquisition in Dorset Wildlife Trust's history, Lyscombe is a treasure trove of chalk downland, lush scrub, wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands.

Location

Drake's Lane, Piddletrenthide

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7RF

OS Map Reference

ST 73290 00446

View on What3Words

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Get directions

Know before you go

Size

335 hectares

Entry fee

N/A

Parking information

Small car park at the entrance just off Drake's Lane

Walking trails

Public rights of way cross the site

Access

Public Rights of Way give access across the land and in particular, around the chalk bowl giving fine views across the Dorset countryside. However, they are unsurfaced, uneven and steep in places with access via fields and gates. Please keep your distance from any grazing animals and observe any no entry signs.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Wildflowers in summer months, great to visit all year round.

About the reserve

Lyscombe already holds a number of prestigious designations, including a 50-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and several Scheduled Monuments, including the unique Lyscombe Chapel. The plan is to continue with traditional management techniques to ensure wildlife continues to thrive in the SSSI, to restore natural processes across the reserve and to open up more access for people to enjoy this stunning landscape.

Find out more about the plans for Lyscombe