Holton Heath National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The eastern part of Holton Heath NNR was a factory producing explosives during World War II. Due to the dangers posed by contamination, this part of the reserve is closed. Holton Heath is an extensive area of woodland and lowland heath but Sandford Heath is the only part which is accessible, and offers a rare example of Dorset’s ancient heathland. Near the western entrance is an area of woodland which includes beech, alder and birch. This gradually changes to mature Scots pine, before you emerge onto the open heath. In the spring and summer you’ll see stonechats and woodlarks and the Dartford warbler, as well as more common birds such as meadow pipit and skylark. The eastern part of the site was occupied by the cordite factory, and an imposing concrete gun tower can still be seen, one of a ring of anti-aircraft defences that once protected the factory.

Location

Holton Heath

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.