Stonehill Down Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stonehill Down |
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View of Stonehill Down looking east towards Knowle Hill
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| Location | Purbeck Hills, Dorset, England |
| OS grid | SY 925825 |
| Area | 20 ha. |
| Operated by | Dorset Wildlife Trust |
| Open | all year |
Stonehill Down Nature Reserve is a special place in Dorset, England. It's a nature reserve located on the Purbeck Hills. This amazing area is looked after by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
The reserve covers about 20 hectares, which is like 20 football fields! It sits high on a chalk ridge. This ridge runs from west to east across the Isle of Purbeck. From here, you can see far across the Wareham Forest. You can also spot Poole Harbour to the east. The Purbeck Hills form its southern edge. Ridgeway Hill is about 1 kilometer to the west-southwest. The famous Corfe Castle is about 3 kilometers to the west.
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What Animals and Plants Live Here?
Stonehill Down has two main types of natural areas. These are broadleaf woodland and chalk downland. Each area is home to different kinds of plants and animals.
Woodland Wonders
The broadleaf woodland is found on the northern slopes. These slopes are quite steep in some places. In spring, you can find beautiful primroses here. You might also see ramsons, which are wild garlic plants. Another interesting plant is toothwort. It grows around the bottom of hazel trees.
Chalk Downland Flowers
The top of the ridge is mostly chalk downland. This area has rough grassy fields and some bushes. Many different downland flowers grow here. Look for Horseshoe vetch and Carline thistle.
In early summer, you might spot pretty orchids. These include the Common spotted orchid, Early purple orchid, and Bee orchid. Later in summer and early autumn, other flowers bloom. These are Autumn Lady's-tresses, Autumn gentian (also called Felwort), and Nettle-leaved bellflower. This grassy area is also grazed by animals.
Butterflies to Spot
This reserve is a great place for butterflies. Two special types you might see are the Lulworth skipper and the Adonis blue. They love the flowers and plants found here.
How to Visit Stonehill Down
There are no special visitor buildings at Stonehill Down. The closest places to park are in East Creech. This village is just north of the reserve. You can also park on the small road to Creech Grange. This road is at the top of the pass near Creech Barrow Hill.
Many paths cross the reserve or run along its edges. Walkers can get to the reserve from the ridgeway. This path connects Ridgeway Hill and Corfe Castle. It's a lovely place to explore nature!
