This 15 hectare site is a great location to access the wider countryside and enjoy the fabulous views towards the north and west of the county and beyond.
Hilfield Hill is a flat semi natural grassland hilltop with a wooded slope. It is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic whilst enjoying the views. The grassland also has a small area of remnant chalk heath made up of heather and bilberry. The steep scarp slope is a mixed broadleaf woodland which is accessed via a permissive footpath. There is also a sculpture trail in the woods and a brass rubbing trail throughout the site.
The area is well connected to local rights of way including the Wessex Ridgeway trail and the Cerne Valley Way.
Nearest Town | Sherborne (10 miles) |
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Look out for | Western Red Cedar, Sessile Oak, Common Spotted and Pyramidal Orchids, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Buzzards, Roe Deer and Duke of Burgundy butterflies |
Habitats | Grassland, remnant chalk heath, mixed woodland and forestry plantation |
Site designations | Site of Nature Conservation Interest, Local Nature Reserve, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and South Wessex Downs Environmentally Sensitive Area |
Grid reference | ST 636 041 |
Postcode | DT2 7BE |
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Size | 15 hectares |
Parking | On the site (restricted width of 2.2 metres) |
Accessibility | Permissive Footpaths. No cycling or horse riding |
Other activities in area | |
Owner | Dorset Council |
Managed by | Dorset Council (Area Greenspace Management Team - West) |
How to get there | Located roughly half way along the road between Minterne Magna and Holywell. The A352 is to the east and the A37 to the west. |
Senior Countryside Ranger - West Dorset & Coast
Name: Stuart SempleEmail: stuart.semple@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Full contact details