Bracketts Coppice

A hidden gem in west Dorset. This is home to some of Dorset's best loved species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers.

Location

Northwest of the village of Corscombe
Yeovil
BA22 9QX

OS Map Reference

ST5138007380
A static map of Bracketts Coppice

Know before you go

Size
46 hectares
z

Entry fee

N/A
P

Parking information

Limited parking (two cars) at reserve main entrance.

Bicycle parking

Yes

Grazing animals

Cattle grazing during summer, but also winter grazing on Birch Common.

Access

Uneven track, stiles and pedestrian gates.  The stream is deep in places and there is steep ground in the woodland. Cattle graze the reserve in the summer months so please keep your distance, keep your dog on a lead and observe any signs.

Dogs

On a lead

Please remove dog mess from site. See above for more information about dogs on nature reserves.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and summer for birds, flowers and butterflies, but great all year for solitude.

About the reserve

Home to some of Dorset’s best-loved and rarest species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers as well as ancient woodland with hazel coppice, meadows, hedgerows, wood pasture and a fast-flowing stream. Green and great spotted woodpeckers frequent the reserve as well as woodcocks, pied and spotted flycatchers, breeding kingfishers and the more common woodland species. Summer brings the riches of wildflowers including several orchids, betony, adder’s tongue fern and common knapweed; butterflies including marsh and silver-washed fritillaries, purple hairstreak and small heath.

Useful Information

From Halstock, the gated entrance is on the left, 20 metres past Bracketts Farm. Alternative entrances via field gates if approaching on foot or by bike, to the south (from Rye Water Lane) and east (via trackway past Ocean Hill Farm).

Environmental designation

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Bracketts Coppice Map Sept 2019

Bracketts Coppice Map Sept 2019