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Size: 9.0ha.
Once an area of clay mining, dating back to Roman times, this reserve has been allowed to regenerate naturally after extraction stopped in the 1970s. The result is a birch & oak woodland, a number of deep ponds and grassland.
Wildlife interest:
- Dormice & deer live in the woods, along with typical woodland birds & the less commonly seen woodcock, goldcrests & marsh tits.
- Flower species are varied, with moschatel in the woods, yellow iris in the reeds & heath spotted orchids & devil's-bit scabious in the grassland.
- Numerous insect species thrive, such as meadow & field grasshoppers.
- Speckled wood, painted lady & small copper butterflies.
- 15 species of dragonflies have been recorded around the ponds.
Best time to visit:
Spring & summer.
Access:
The 150m track into the reserve has a good surface otherwise conditions underfoot are uneven & damp.
Location:
Map ref. SY 933825. Turn off the A351 roundabout at Stoborough Green and take the road to the Blue Pool. The reserve entrance is on the left just after the junction to East Creech on the right hand side. |
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