Duncliffe Wood
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Duncliffe Wood extends to about 214 acres, is situated on the top of Duncliffe Hill and can be seen for miles around. It is ancient woodland, mentioned in the Domesday Book and reputed to have inspired Thomas Hardy's 'The Woodlanders'. Now designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest because of its good structure and the variety of species of ground flora, it was acquired in 1984 by the Woodland Trust, which has recently also acquired two neighbouring fields with the intention of allowing the woodland to spread into them naturally.
The area is a haven for wildlife and about thirty target species of butterfly have been identified. In springtime there is a profusion of bluebells. There are fine views from three places, including from a bench at the summit, south to the Dorset Downs and Bulbarrow Hill and north to Gillingham and beyond to Alfred's Tower at Stourhead in Wiltshire.
The paths are generally good, but can become muddy and slippery in places after rain. There is one quite strenuous ascent, between Waymarks 07 and 08 and quite a steep descent immediately after Waymark 08.
England - South West England - Dorset - Coast
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Pub, Wildlife, Woodland
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