|
Size: 17ha.
Excellent example of ancient woodland, carpeted with colour in spring & summer. Rotational coppicing of the hazel understorey is carried out amongst the oak standards.
Wildlife interest:
- Typical woodland birds, with resident jays, nuthatches, treecreepers and sparrowhawks joined by visiting redpolls, siskins, chiffchaffs, blackcaps & spotted flycatchers.
- Primrose, wood anemone, bugle & dog violet, with devil's-bit scabious along the rides.
- White admiral & silver-washed fritillary butterflies.
- Dormice & over 100 species of fungi recorded.
Best time to visit:
- Spring for woodland flower colour.
- Summer for butterflies.
- Autumn for fungi.
Access:
Difficult terrain after rain due to rough & wet rides.
Location:
Map ref. ST 793127. Turn S. off A357 at Sturminster Newton, just E. of the River Stour bridge/traffic lights at the Bull Inn. Turn left on entering Broad Oak village, up Copse Hill & look for small car park on left. A short walk along the bridleway leads to the reserve. |
|
|
