This 15 hectare site is a great location to access the wider countryside and enjoy the fabulous views towards the north and west of the county and beyond.
Hilfield Hill is a flat semi natural grassland hilltop with a wooded slope. It is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic whilst enjoying the views. The grassland also has a small area of remnant chalk heath made up of heather and bilberry. The steep scarp slope is a mixed broadleaf woodland which is accessed via a permissive footpath. There is also a sculpture trail in the woods and a brass rubbing trail throughout the site.
The area is well connected to local rights of way including the Wessex Ridgeway trail and the Cerne Valley Way.
| Nearest Town | Sherborne (10 miles) |
|---|---|
| Look out for | Western Red Cedar, Sessile Oak, Common Spotted and Pyramidal Orchids, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Buzzards, Roe Deer and Duke of Burgundy butterflies |
| Habitats | Grassland, remnant chalk heath, mixed woodland and forestry plantation |
| Site designations | Site of Nature Conservation Interest, Local Nature Reserve, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and South Wessex Downs Environmentally Sensitive Area |
| Grid reference | ST 636 041 |
| Postcode | DT2 7BE |
| what3words | ruling.rounds.trunk juggle.announce.catapult mushroom.widest.northwood completed.vented.terminal |
| Size | 15 hectares |
| Parking | On the site (restricted width of 2.2 metres) |
| Accessibility | Permissive Footpaths. No cycling or horse riding |
| Other activities in area | |
| Owner | Dorset Council |
| Managed by | Dorset Council (Area Greenspace Management Team - West) |
| How to get there | Located roughly half way along the road between Minterne Magna and Holywell. The A352 is to the east and the A37 to the west. |
Senior Countryside Ranger - West Dorset & Coast
Name: Stuart SempleEmail: stuart.semple@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 224923
Full contact details