About the reserve

Multi-stemmed maples and majestic old sweet chestnut and ash trees enclose this peaceful, sloping pasture. At the centre of this reserve are two small fields of tussocky, dry and damp grassland which provide good structure for invertebrates and small mammals. Bordered to the north by an old green lane with ancient hazel stools, supporting dormice, long-tailed tit and bullfinch; and to the south by a narrow strip of streamside woodland, rich with ferns and opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage. A further strip of woodland covers the slope at the western end of the site.

The wooded sections support a variety of woodland birds including the harbinger of spring – the chiffchaff - while the stream is visited by the secretive otter.

Useful Information
Leave the A35 to follow signage for Uploders. Once in Uploders village, turn left by the Crown Inn to follow signs for Loders. Proceed into Loders and turn right opposite the school, signposted for Nettlecombe and Powerstock. Park on the outskirts of the village and walk along Smishops lane for approximately 200m before entering the reserve up an access ramp on your right-hand side. The reserve can also be accessed on foot via Whetlands Lane track or the footpath running through Loders village, and an informal link to the old railway line.