This reserve is a haven for wildlife, with its mix of woodland, heathland, and wetland habitats supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The reserve's woodland is dominated by oak and birch trees, with a carpet of bluebells in the spring. The heathland is home to species such as the nightjar, Dartford warbler, and sand lizard, while the wetland areas support birds like the bittern, marsh harrier, and bearded tit. The reserve's ponds and streams are also home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and insects. Visitors can explore the reserve's many trails, including the 2.5-mile Martin Down Trail, which takes in the reserve's varied landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Beautiful spot of great natural beauty. Impressive flora and fauna apparently due to the fact that it has not been ploughed since the middle ages. Gently undulating ground means this is an easy reserve to explore, we were there for 5 hours and only covered a small part. Loads of wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Saw my first Corn Bunting! Also saw an interesting orchid just coming into flower. Frog orchid?
Martin Down nature reserve is a truly wondrous place to walk in May. Pick the right day, when the sun is out and its warm but with a gentle breeze and you might think you were in heaven. There are SO many birds, butterflies, beetles, insects and plants for you to spot, including orchids (which it's a well known spot for to locals - I'm not local but I have a friend who is). The car park is free, just be mindful of how pot-holey it is. The name of the reserve is slightly misleading as its a little hilly in places. There aren't any on site facilities- nowhere for food or toilets, so make sure you bring water and snacks (and take your rubbish home or pick up or dogs poo and take that home too). Other than that just prepare to switch off from modern life for a while and enjoy being outside and seeing what you can spot!
Beautiful place for a walk at sunset. Open wildflower fields (ground nesting birds so keep to paths), WW2 firing range, Longbarrow and bronze age area. Popular with dogwalkers, height barrier of 2.2m to carpark.
Absolutely disgusting place. Puts shame on the dog walking community that are responsible and pick up their dogs mess. We entered by the car park on the A354. As soon as we entered Martin Down, it was obvious a lot of Fouling on the entrance to the Downs had taken place. There are signs but obviously this is being totally ignored. Such a shame.
A lovely place that has something to offer, whatever the time of year. Usually best to park in the car park off the A354.
Views of Cranborne chase. Open fields Many bird species. Skylarks in spring. DO NOT WALK IN FIELDS. Some woodland. WWII firings range . Extensive barrows and mounds if you want to explore. No facilities but a new burger van has arrived May 2023. Height barrier on the car park but there is an open lay-by 100 yards away.
Hiking
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
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Beautiful spot of great natural beauty. Impressive flora and fauna apparently due to the fact that it has not been ploughed since the middle ages. Gently undulating ground means this is an easy reserve to explore, we were there for 5 hours and only covered a small part. Loads of wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Saw my first Corn Bunting! Also saw an interesting orchid just coming into flower. Frog orchid?
Martin Down nature reserve is a truly wondrous place to walk in May. Pick the right day, when the sun is out and its warm but with a gentle breeze and you might think you were in heaven. There are SO many birds, butterflies, beetles, insects and plants for you to spot, including orchids (which it's a well known spot for to locals - I'm not local but I have a friend who is). The car park is free, just be mindful of how pot-holey it is. The name of the reserve is slightly misleading as its a little hilly in places. There aren't any on site facilities- nowhere for food or toilets, so make sure you bring water and snacks (and take your rubbish home or pick up or dogs poo and take that home too). Other than that just prepare to switch off from modern life for a while and enjoy being outside and seeing what you can spot!
Beautiful place for a walk at sunset. Open wildflower fields (ground nesting birds so keep to paths), WW2 firing range, Longbarrow and bronze age area. Popular with dogwalkers, height barrier of 2.2m to carpark.
Absolutely disgusting place. Puts shame on the dog walking community that are responsible and pick up their dogs mess. We entered by the car park on the A354. As soon as we entered Martin Down, it was obvious a lot of Fouling on the entrance to the Downs had taken place. There are signs but obviously this is being totally ignored. Such a shame.
A lovely place that has something to offer, whatever the time of year. Usually best to park in the car park off the A354.
Views of Cranborne chase. Open fields Many bird species. Skylarks in spring. DO NOT WALK IN FIELDS. Some woodland. WWII firings range . Extensive barrows and mounds if you want to explore. No facilities but a new burger van has arrived May 2023. Height barrier on the car park but there is an open lay-by 100 yards away.
