Hog Cliff National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Hog Cliff NNR is a chalk downland area comprising three separate sites centred on Hog Cliff Hill, and is important for populations of the marsh fritillary butterfly, a rare species throughout Europe. Other butterflies found on the reserve during the summer include the rare Adonis blue, the green hairstreak, common blue, gatekeeper, grizzled skipper and dingy skipper. The grassland supports a wide range of grasses, herbs and flowering plants such as sheep’s fescue, horseshoe vetch, autumn gentian, clustered bellflower, rockrose, small scabious, devil’s bit, chalk milkwort and betony. Over 100 species of fungi have been recorded, including eight species of waxcap. The small areas of ancient coppiced woodland – mostly oak and ash – have an understorey of hazel and field maple. The woodland is particularly important for a range of rare lichens. There is a rich spring ground flora which includes some uncommon plants such as herb Paris and toothwort.

Location

Maiden Newton

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.