Ryewater Farm
Ryewater Farm is a 38-acre nature reserve, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a candidate Special Area of Conservation in recognition of its importance for wildlife.The reserve was acquired by Plantlife in 1997.
The reserve in late summer
©Steve Day/Plantlife
Habitats present at Ryewater Farm include unimproved pasture and species-rich hay meadows, enclosed by thick hedgerows and ancient woodland.
A visit to the reserve in the summer is recommended as this is when the grassland flowers are at their best, including Dyer’s Greenweed, Pepper-Saxifrage, Oxeye Daisy and Corky-fruited Water-dropwort.
What to see and when
April: Ramsons
May: Meadow Buttercup
June: Dyer's Greenweed, Common Spotted-orchid, Yellow Rattle
July: The hay is usually cut around the middle of July, but in the first two weeks of this month you can see late flowering meadow species such as Black Knapweed, Meadow Thistle and Corky-fruited Water-dropwort.
The woodland areas are dominated by ash, oak, birch and hazel with an interesting ground flora including Dog’s mercury, Wood Anemone and Moschatel. Ryewater Farm is registered as organic and is managed by a combination of hay-making and cattle grazing.
Location: Corscombe, Dorset. ST 512 064
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links
Map and directions Click below to see the map and directions for the reserve
See how close this reserve is to the National Cycle Network. Click below to see the map
Further details
For further details contact the Plantlife Office or e-mail joe.costley@ plantlife.org.uk