Kingcombe Meadows

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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Kingcombe
environmental
studies centre

Learn more about local wildlife. Receive 10% discount on all courses at Kingcombe. Find out more