Holt Heath National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Holt Heath NNR near Wimborne is one of Dorset’s largest remaining areas of lowland heathland. Northwest of the heath are two separate areas of semi-natural ancient woodland – Holt Forest and Holt Wood –which also form part of the reserve. Dry heath, wet heath and mire communities are all represented. Locally common plants include common heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, sundews and marsh gentian. Bird life includes large populations of Dartford warbler, woodlark, stonechat and nightjar. The heath is Dorset’s only site for breeding curlew and Holt Heath is one of very few places in Britain where all six of Britain’s reptile species – the smooth snake, grass snake, adder, sand lizard, common lizard and slow worm – are found. The black darter dragonfly is also found hovering around the heathland pools. The reserve’s woodland is predominantly oak – many of which are magnificent old pollards – while other areas are dominated by beech.

Location

Holt 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.