What will you discover in Dorset? Try a new activity, stumble on a great place to go, unearth more.
Tick the boxes below according to your preferences and discover new places to explore.
Hidden Dorset > Discover > Natural Environment > Wildlife > King Barrow Quarries - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve
King Barrow Quarries - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve
Dorset Wildlife Trust
DT5 1BW
Tel: 01305 264620
King Barrow Quarries - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife
This Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve, site of a former stone quarry is high on Portland, with excellent views of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon.
Abandoned a hundred years ago, the area (12.2 ha) has been left to regenerate naturally; although there is now some scrub management and control of recreational activities.
There are interesting plant species including horseshoe vetch, kidney vetch and autumn gentian; lichens and bryophytes are plentiful. Adonis & chalk hill blue butterflies can be seen. Bird species include whitethroats, linnets, meadow pipits and little owls.
Directions
On the Isle of Portland take the A354, climb the hill and immediately look for a small parking area setback on the east side of the road next to the water tower; the entrance to the reserve is marked by a finger post just off Yeates Road.
(O.S. reference: SY 690 728).
Additional Information
There are plenty of paths, but sheer rock faces, steep slopes and loose stones underfoot make access difficult for the less mobile. There is additional parking away from the reserve, along New Ground behind the Heights Hotel.
Nearest refreshments/pub: The Heights Hotel (50 m)
Photos by Alastair Cook; Colin Denis
Be the first to comment on this Gem
Filter by area
