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Size: 7ha.
This centuries-old area of ancient oak woodland & hazel coppice slopes down to flood meadows by the River Stour. Much is still traditionally managed in a coppice rotation. Rich ground flora in summer attracts many butterfly species.
Dogs are not allowed in this reserve
Wildlife interest:
- Amongst oak & ash is the rare wild service.
- Spring migrants include willow warblers, blackcaps & spotted flycatchers.
- The colourful woodland floor includes creeping jenny, bugle, devil's-bit scabious & saw wort and in some shady areas violet helleborine
- The nearby River Stour brings dragonfly & damselfly species in summer.
Best time to visit:
Spring & summer for the flowers.
Access:
Steep slopes in the wood & wet ground conditions in the fields near the river.
Location:
Map ref. ST 800135. Access from the car park for Fiddleford Manor, situated on the north side of the A357 about 2 miles E. of Sturminster Newton. |
