Download our reserve leaflet here

Near Warminster BA12 0JF
OS map 143 Grid ref: ST941431

  • There is no footpath and the walk takes you over rough grass on a steep slope
  • 5.12 hectares
  • Entry is by climbing over the field gate; we will be putting in a stile.
  • Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
  • Dogs on leads welcome.

Dunscombe Bottom reserve map © WWT

This stretch of chalk grassland curves across the steep side of a combe (valley) near Knook, on the edge of Salisbury Plain. As you walk over the rough grass, enjoy the far-reaching views.

If you visit in the summer the land is a patchwork of colour from orchids, early gentian, knapweed, rockroses and eyebright. The bluish tones of milkwort add a cool note to the mix. The greater butterfly orchid grows here. Its pale vanilla-coloured flowers release a sweet smell, stronger at night, which attracts moths. You can also see marbled white, Adonis blue and small blue butterflies.

Before it came to us in 2009 the land had never been fertilised or improved and had always been used for grazing, which we continue to do. Between September and February we graze with mules, a special cross of hardy lowland sheep, to take the summer growth down to a short turf. This allows spring sunlight to reach the wild flowers just as they are ready to grow. We also graze with cattle – their feet poach (disturb) the soil. This kick-starts the growth of seeds such as horseshoe vetch - food plant of the Adonis blue.

Be careful not to trip over the dozens of anthills as you enter the reserve. They are an indicator of ancient, undisturbed chalk grassland. Each mound is created by a single colony of yellow meadow ants, carrying soil to the surface as they create a network of galleries below ground where they raise their young.

Adonis blue © David Kilbey Great butterfly orchid © Rob large Early gentian © Rob large Knapweed © David Kilbey

Directions

If driving – The reserve is five miles from Warminster. From the A36 Warminster to Salisbury road turn on to B390 at Knook Army Camp. Immediately after the camp pull into a small layby on the left at entrance to reserve. There is parking for two cars on verge.

If using bus - Route 24 travels from Warminster to Salisbury. Visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parkingtransportandstreets

If cycling - Visit www.sustrans.org.uk

Nearby reserves – Smallbrook Meadows

What to see locally – Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve (8 miles), a’Beckett’s Vineyard (8 miles), Stonehenge (11 miles), Prescombe Down National Nature Reserve (11 miles)

Dunscombe Bottom location map © WWT
(Photo: Orchids at Dunscombe Bottom © Sarah Marshall)