Our verdict
One of the better wildlife walks in this list — linked to Sherborne by the Macmillan and Monarch's Ways, so you can walk here from town in about an hour rather than needing to drive. Go for the spring flowers and the views.
High on the Sherborne escarpment, Holway Woods was the first reserve Dorset Wildlife Trust ever owned. Mature woodland with old twisted sweet chestnuts gives way to more recently planted blocks, with bluebells, primroses and pink purslane in spring and tawny owls, woodpeckers and nuthatches year-round; on a clear day there are views over south Somerset.
Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve — free to explore on foot; some are dog-free or on-lead to protect wildlife.