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Size: 177ha.
A visit to Kingcombe is a step back in time. The Reserve is still managed as a working farm, grazed by cows & sheep, using traditional methods without artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. The result is a patchwork of fields & unimproved grassland, broken up by thick hedges, streams, ponds, ancient green lanes & wooded areas alongside the River Hooke.
Wildlife interest:
- Typical wildflowers in woodland & marshy areas.
- The grassy meadows sustain many common species, & also lady's mantle, corky-fruited water dropwort, pepper saxifrage, devil's-bit scabious & knapweed.
- Butterflies include varieties of skipper & fritillaries.
- Birds abound, with visiting summer warblers, as well as dippers & grey wagtails.
Best time to visit:
Any time of the year; particularly impressive in spring/early summer for the blaze of colour, the insects, birds & butterflies.
Access:
Limited tracks across the meadows. Information Centre.
Location:
Map ref. SY 554990. From Dorchester take the A37 to Yeovil. Just after the village of Grimstone turn left on A356. Continue past Maiden Newton & turn left at the top of the hill to Toller Porcorum. Turn right in the village signposted to Lower Kingcombe. Travel 1 mile, look for Kingcombe Visitors Centre sign on right. |
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