Dunsdon

This reserve is an excellent example of a marshy, heathy type of vegetation known locally as Culm Grassland. There are also areas of wet woodland and scrub.

Dunsdon is extremely diverse and supports 189 species of plants, including meadow thistle, devil’s-bit scabious, southern marsh orchid and lesser butterfly orchid. As one might expect, the site is also rich in fauna, including the attractive banded demoiselle damselfly and many butterflies. There is a large population of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

Many birds can be seen depending on the season, such as breeding sparrowhawk and spotted flycatcher, and wintering snipe. Culm Grassland has declined sharply in extent and Dunsdon represents an important reservoir for the wildlife of this area.

Follow the 400m boardwalk onto this National Nature Reserve.

Where: SS295 078; SS307 083
When: All year round but Culm Grassland is best visited in early June for wildflowers and butterflies.
Access: The site is accessible by bike and on foot.
Hints and Tips: Dunsdon contains probably the single most important example in England of a type of pasture known locally as Culm Grassland.