Our verdict
A genuine highlight of this area — varied, wild-feeling and rich in wildlife, with two marked circular walks from the car park. Cattle graze year-round and adders are present, so keep dogs close on the rougher ground.
A 112-hectare Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve of wet and dry grassland, scrub, woodland and old railway line, designated part of the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve in 2021. The disused railway banks dance with butterflies in summer, including the rare marsh fritillary, and dormice, adders and lesser horseshoe bats all use the site.