Our verdict
Genuinely atmospheric and easy to have almost to yourself — one of the nicer small DWT reserves in this cluster of west Dorset valleys. Parking is the catch: very limited, and awkward outside summer.
A hidden, steep-sided Dorset Wildlife Trust valley with yellow meadow anthills scattered across acidic grassland, bound by a deeply sunken green lane of ancient hazel stools. A small stream runs through wet alder woodland at the bottom, home to marsh tits, glow-worms and snake's-head fritillary.