Coombe Heath - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife

A Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve south east of Wool with dry & wet heathland, acid grassland; it is home to rare reptiles, butterflies and heathland birds.

The reserve (41 ha) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest: an important area of remnant heathland in South Dorset surrounded by agriculturally improved land and forestry plantations. Bell heather and ling predominate on the heath, with patches of dodder and lousewort and the ground lichen called devil’s matches. Several rare reptiles including the smooth snake can be found on the dry heath, together with butterflies such as grayling, silver-studded blue; boggy areas of the wet heath, clearly defined by the yellow flowers of bog asphodel, are haunts of dragonflies and bog bush crickets. Dartford warblers and stonechats can be found in the areas of scrub.

There is interest throughout the summer, but the best time for heathland colour is late in the season. Fast flying snipe are a frequent sight in winter.
There are two bowl barrows in the middle of the reserve.

Opening Times

Open at all times

Costs

No charge

Directions

Turn left after the station in Wool onto Bindon Lane, at the second junction turn right at Highwood. Park at the end of the tarmac road; walk down the track into the reserve.
(O.S. map reference: SY 862 848).

Additional Information

Disabled access difficult, due to rough and wet ground conditions. Keep dogs under close control and on leads where there is livestock and during the bird breeding season, from April until August.

Nearest refreshments/pub: Wool

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