Happy Bottom

Happy Bottom nature reserve has a rich and varied history, spanning Roman roads, nearby ancient barrows, Victorian railways and 20th century farming. It forms part of the Corfe Barrows Nature Park and is rich in wildlife.

Location

Merley Park Road
Ashington,

Wimborne

Dorset

BH21 3EA

OS Map Reference

SY9951497963

View on What3Words

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Know before you go

Size

19 hectares

Entry fee

N/A

Parking information

Pull-in off Merley Park Road

Grazing animals

Grazing animals on some of the site

Walking trails

This idyllic valley can be discovered by following the path and boardwalk from Merley Park Road to the old railway line. There is a variety of public rights of way and marked trails to follow.

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

Access

Most of the reserve is moderate terrain and there is a RADAR Key large mobility kissing gate at the parking pull-in.

Dogs

On a lead

More information on dogs on Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Summer for flowers and insects; spring for birdsong; autumn and winter for migrant and winter visiting birds

About the reserve

Happy Bottom nature reserve is part of the Corfe Barrows Nature Park partnership of landowners who have come together to create a special place for local communities and visitors to explore and enjoy the local countryside, its history and its wonderful wildlife.

Happy Bottom nature reserve includes the stream valley that flows through the nature reserve towards the River Stour to the north. Near the centre of the nature reserve is what is left of Cottage Farm. The restored milking parlour is almost all that remains. The farm used to support a small dairy herd and the cows grazed the adjoining meadows before the days of fertilizers and pesticides. We are traditionally managing the pastures with grazing animals for the benefit of biodiversity.

Useful Information

From A31, take the Wimborne Road off the Lake Gates roundabout signposted to Corfe Mullen. Turn left onto Higher Merley Lane and the reserve is approximately 350 metres along the lane on your left.