Winfrith - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife

This Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve has areas of dry and wet heathland which are home to many wildlife species, some quite rare.

Together the Tadnoll and Winfrith reserves cover almost 155 ha of internationally important heathland and wetland. Flowers include greater burnet and marsh cinquefoil in the meadows with heath orchids and sphagnum mosses in the wet areas. Silver studded blue butterflies can be found on the open heaths whilst many interesting dragon- & damsel-flies live in the wetter areas. Birds include hobby, nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. The dry heath is a carpet of purple in late summer and there are acid peaty pools in the boggy areas.
The best time to visit is in high summer, but there is likely to be something of interest at any time of the year.

Opening Times

Open at all times

Costs

No charge

Directions

Winfrith: On the A352, travelling east, turn left opposite the Red Lion pub; the entrance to the Winfrith reserve is on the left, just after the first turning; park on the roadside.
(O.S. reference: SY 809 876)

Additional Information

The ground is uneven and boggy in places, but there are several marked trails across the reserves. There is limited access for the disabled and this should be arranged, before visiting the site, through the Dorset Wildlife Trust office (01305 264620).
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: East Knighton; Winfrith Newburgh.

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