So, let me see; a nature reserve within the town boundary of busy Blandford, bordered on one side by an industrial estate, on another by housing and another by a main road with a school on the opposite side of the road for good measure! It is not going to be up to much then is it? Well think again!
I was a little taken aback by Milldown. Chalk grassland is not a common habitat these days and so to find a large area of it in north west Blandford was not what I expected. Amazingly, you cannot see the road, school, industrial estate or houses and nor can you you really hear any disturbance from them. Yes, the locals walk their dogs there but I have to say the ones I saw were impeccably well behaved and very well managed by their owners.
A good mix of pure grassland with some gentle slopes where the rabbits keep the turf shorter and a good sprinkling of trees and scrub make for a fascinating couple of hours wandering around this delightful spot. Just for good measure, there is a tarmac path running right around it so it can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. In summer expect a colourful display of flowers and lots of butterflies. Thank you North Dorset Council, well managed!
See more photographs and my species list here:
http://www.natureofdorset.co.uk/sites/milldown-nature-reserve
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