A glorious swathe of West Dorset chalk downland with a full range of downland butterflies and some special moths. It overlooks the River Frome valley and there are fine views towards the West Dorset coast.
Look out for
Butterflies
- Adonis Blue
- Marsh Fritillary
- Grizzled Skipper
- Dingy Skipper
- Green Hairstreak
- Chalkhill Blue
- Brown Argus
- Silver Spotted Skipper
Moths
- Wood Tiger
- Six-spot Burnet
Features
This large site is a water catchment for the local public supply and is owned by Wessex Water. The grassland has been protected from agricultural 'improvement' and so has a wonderful range of the natural grassland communities found on the West Dorset chalk hills. BC leases the site and manages it though grazing and scrub control.
Area: 46 hectares
Directions
Map Reference: ST 610 003 OS Land Ranger map: 185
Open Access Land with single Bridleway
The reserve lies on the west side of the A37 (the Dorchester and Yeovil Road) at the Staggs Folly junction. Take the Cattistock Lane turning at this junction -the reserve entrances are 100m (bridleway) and 1/2 km (field and track gate) down on the left-hand side of the lane.
There is very limited parking along Cattistock Lane at the entrance gate for the bridleway, but a bit more space at the main gate. This gateway for the Wessex Water pumping station track must be kept clear at all times. There is no parking on site.
Public transport
Sureline 212 bus - This runs between Dorchester and Yeovil and stops in Cattistock. It is then a pleasant 1.5 km walk east on a bridleway to reach the reserve.
Maiden Newton Railway Station - It is a 2km walk up the lane from the station.The Wessex Ridgeway crosses the A37 1 km to the south of Staggs Folly.
Site Access and safety
The reserve has steep slopes but generally firm ground. The upper margins of the site, such as at the eastern end, in from the bridleway gate, are largely level and easy access.
The main entrance gate is large and heavy (improvements planned) and the track to the pumping station could be used by wheel chair or buggy though it becomes quite steep in places. Contact for further information.
Contact
If you would like to help out on the reserve, please go to Events
John Davis
- 01929 400209
Nigel Spring
- Telephone: 01963 23559 or 07981 776 767 (mobile)
Lankham Bottom Leaflet
Details on what to spot and where to walk
Filesize: 1.48 Mb (pdf)