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Hidden Dorset > Discover > Natural Environment > Wildlife > Collyer's Brook - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve
Collyer's Brook - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve
Collyer's Brook - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife
A Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve near Fontmell Magna with spring fed stew-ponds, a stretch of brook and an area of wet woodland.
This small reserve (0.81 ha) is a community wildlife site adjacent to a local picnic site and parking area that are managed by Wessex Water. Collyer’s brook is fed by 10 streams which emerge from the chalk at Springhead 200m east of the reserve ; edged by wet woodland there are a series of linked stew ponds, originally used for breeding fish in the Middle Ages. Little egret, grey heron, water rail and kingfisher inhabit the wet parts; marsh tits and siskins amongst the trees. Otters are known to visit the site and pipistrelle and Daubenton bats feed over the ponds on summer evenings.
There is a viewing platform adjacent to the car park and a hide that provide good spots to view the birds, bats and dragon flies.
There is all-year round interest although the best time to visit is probably in mid-summer.
Directions
Leave the A350 at Fontmell Magna, opposite the Crown public house, turning towards Ashmore. The reserve is approximately ¼ mile on the right; there is an adjoining, small, car park.
(O.S. map reference: ST 870 168).
Additional Information
There is good disabled access from the car park to the viewing platform. Keep dogs under close control.
Nearest refreshments: Compton Abbas Airfield
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