Lyscombe

The largest single land acquisition in Dorset Wildlife Trust's history, Lyscombe National Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of chalk downland, lush scrub, wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands.

Location

Drake's Lane, Piddletrenthide

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7RF

OS Map Reference

ST 73290 00446

View on What3Words

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Get directions

Know before you go

Size

335 hectares

Entry fee

N/A

Parking information

Small car park at the entrance just off Drake's Lane

Walking trails

Public rights of way cross the site

Access

Public Rights of Way give access across the land and in particular, around the chalk bowl giving fine views across the Dorset countryside. However, they are unsurfaced, uneven and steep in places with access via fields and gates. Please keep your distance from any grazing animals and observe any no entry signs.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Wildflowers in summer months, great to visit all year round.

About the reserve

Lyscombe National Nature Reserve comprises 334 hectares of chalk grassland, ancient woodland and heritage features, including a 50-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and several Scheduled Monuments, including the unique Lyscombe Chapel. With its nationally important chalk downland habitats, the site has the potential to act as a significant area for nature recovery across the Dorset Downs landscape, creating bigger, better and more connected spaces for wildlife.

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