Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve, Porlock, Exmoor National Park

Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve, Porlock, Exmoor National Park

[Main photo: Horner Wood from Dunkery Hill near Dunkery Beacon]

 

One of the largest National Nature Reserves in England

Dunkery and Horner Wood is one of the largest National Nature Reserves in England.

'The nature reserve supports a wealth of wildlife including rare and endangered species. The red deer is the largest of Britain's native animals. Listen for the roaring and clashing of stags during the autumn rut. If you are lucky, you might glimpse a merlin, our smallest bird of prey - up to three pairs breed here. Curlews breed on the wet areas, and fill the air with haunting cries. In early June, watch for the heath fritillary, one of Britain's rarest butterflies.' (Source: information board on site)

 

Holnicote Estate

Holnicote Estate is 'one of the largest and most diverse countryside properties owned and managed by the National Trust. The 5026 hectare estate gives you the opportunity to discover picturesque villages, woodland, farmland, moorland coastline, archaeological sites and a wide array of wildlife, including many species that are rare in the UK. Most of the estate can be explored using more that 240km of bridleways and footpaths.' (Source: information board at Selworthy)

We'd recommend following the moorland road that climbs to Webber's Post and Dunkery Hill. Walk to Dunkery Beacon which is the highest point in Exmoor National Park. There are huge panoramic views. It's particularly impressive in late summer when the heather's out.

 

Other Somerset National Nature Reserves

Barrington Hill. Between the M5 and A303 near Ilminster close to the border of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ebbor Gorge. By Wookey Hole near Wells on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve is close to the west.

Hardington Moor. South west of Yeovil near the northern border of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hawkcombe Woods. Near Porlock and Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve in Exmoor National Park.

Rodney Stoke. On the southern border of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve.

Somerset Wetlands. In the Somerset Levels and Moors. Combines six former National Nature Reserves. Bridgwater Bay (section of Bristol Channel by Burnham-on-Sea above Bridgwater), Ham Wall (by Glastonbury), Huntspill River (between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater by Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve), Shapwick Heath (by Glastonbury and Ham Wall National Nature Reserve), Somerset Levels and Westhay Moor (again, by Glastonbury and Ham Wall National Nature Reserve).

Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve. In the southern section of Exmoor National Park near Withypool, Hawkridge and Dulverton.

 

Other Devons National Nature Reserves

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs. Between Axmouth and Lyme Regis on the East Devon/West Dorset coast where the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meets the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Berry Head. At the southern end of Tor Bay in South Devon.

Black-a-Tor Copse. In the north west section of Dartmoor National Park below High Willhays and up the valley from Meldon Reservoir.

Dawlish Warren. At the mouth of the River Exe and Exe Estuary in South Devon. Across water from Exmouth.

Dendles Wood. By the southern border of Dartmoor National Park near Cornwood.

Dunsdon Farm. Close to the Devon/Cornwall border near Holsworthy and Bude.

East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths. On the eastern side of Dartmoor National Park close to Bovey Tracey.

Pebblebed Heaths. Area by Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Slapton Ley. At the bottom of South Devon by Torcross.

Wistman’s Wood. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park by Two Bridges.