Our verdict
One of Dorset Wildlife Trust's genuinely special reserves — quiet, varied and rich in wildlife — but a fair way north of the rest of this area, so worth combining with a trip towards Yeovil rather than the Marshwood villages. Cattle graze in summer; deep stream and steep ground in the woodland.
A Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve of ancient hazel coppice, meadows, hedgerows and wood pasture cut through by a fast-flowing stream, on the far northern edge of this area near Halstock. Dormice, otters and both green and great spotted woodpeckers are resident, and summer brings marsh and silver-washed fritillary butterflies plus orchids including bird's-nest orchid.