Holway Woods - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife

This Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve has mature woodland with a good variety of birds, plants, butterflies and mammals; there are superb views of South Somerset.

This 16 ha reserve lies on Yeovil Sands on a steep west facing slope just north of Sherborne. The woodland varies in age and structure: mixed planting amongst mature stands; more recent planting of broadleaved trees; mature woodland including oak, ash beech and sweet chestnut. There are tawny owls, song thrushes and other woodland bird species, with spotted flycatchers and willow warblers in summer. Large mammals include roe deer and badgers. There are springtime shows of bluebells, primroses and pink purslane. The reserve also attracts a number of butterfly species including silver washed fritillary, holly blue and large skipper.

The best times to visit are in late spring and early summer

Opening Times

Open at all times

Costs

No charge

Directions

Take the B3145 Charlton Horethorne/Wincanton road north of Sherborne; after 2 miles fork left at a red fingerpost. Turn left soon afterwards down a narrow lane; the reserve lies on both sides of the road ½ mile down. There is parking in a small, old quarry on the right at the top of the hill or in a lay-by on the left at the bottom of the hill.
(O.S. reference: ST 633 204).

Additional Information

Access is limited due to the steep terrain.

Nearest refreshments/pub: Sandford Orcas

Photo by Tony Bates

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