Ashley Wood - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife

A Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve that comprises a woodland area of ancient hazel & ash coppice, SE of Blandford Forum.

The woodland (12 ha) has an excellent variety of typical woodland bird species; great spotted woodpeckers nest; rotational coppicing and mown rides create open areas encouraging wildflowers and butterflies: there are swathes of wood-anemones; orpine & early purple orchid provide colour along the rides; silver washed fritillary & speckled wood butterflies can be seen in the glades.

Visit at any time of year, but go in spring for the show of bluebells and wood-anemones.

Opening Times

Open at all times

Costs

No Charge

Directions

From Blandford travel south on the B3082; approx. 500m past a garage on the left is a track, next to a house, into the reserve. Access is by foot through the field gate. Parking is not available on site.
(O.S. map reference: ST 928 048).

Additional Information

Disabled access is limited, due to difficult ground conditions when wet. Keep dogs under close control.

Nearest refreshments/pub: Tarrant Keynston

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