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Castle Hill is an important site for wildlife within easy walking distance of Shaftesbury town centre. A variety of habitats including grassy slopes, wetland areas and well developed woodland. Over 130 types of plant occur here and 40 bird species have been recorded. A range of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies can also be seen.
The north facing slopes look out across Dorset to the Somerset and Wiltshire border, with views of King Alfred's Tower and the long wooded line of Penselwood Ridge. On a clear day Glastonbury Tor is visible in the west. Castle Hill is protected as a Scheduled Monument. It is the site of a fortified house from the Middle Ages – it may have been built during a period of civil war nearly 900 years ago.
| Nearest Town | Shaftesbury |
|---|---|
| Look out for | Betony, Devils-bit Scabious wildflowers and Blackcap birds |
| Habitats | Grassland, woodland, scrub, wetland and a pond |
| Site designations | |
| Nearest bus stop | Bimport, Breach Lane, Tout Hill |
| Nearest train station | Gillingham (5 miles) |
| Grid reference | ST 855 227 |
| Postcode | SP7 8LD |
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| Size | 4.86 hectares |
| Parking | Roadside parking available along Bimport |
| Accessibility | Stepped paths not suitable for wheelchair users |
| Owner | Shaftesbury Town Council |
| Managed by | Dorset Council (Area Greenspace Management Team - North) |
| How to get there | Most easily approached from Castle Hill Gardens, behind the ambulance station on Bimport (B3091) or, from the bottom of the site, through the gates off Breach Lane, Shaftesbury. |
Senior Countryside Ranger - North Dorset
Name: Graham StanleyEmail: graham.stanley@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01258 456970
Full contact details