Dawcombe

Bee orchid

© Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Dawcombe

No public access

A private chalk grassland reserve with many species of orchids.

Location

Near Dorking
Surrey
Get directions

Know before you go

Size
23 hectares
P

Parking information

No car park

Grazing animals

Cattle

Access

Closed - access by prior permission only

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Closed - access by prior permission only

Best time to visit

Not applicable

About the reserve

Probably one of the most species-rich chalk grassland reserves in Surrey, this private nature reserve is situated on chalk scarpland with thick patches of hawthorn scrub.

The open areas are managed as chalk downland and include spotted, fragrant, pyramidal, fly, man, bee and greater butterfly orchids in addition to a rich variety of typical chalkland plants.

Much of the Trust's conservation work concentrates on scrub clearance which is necessary to maintain and increase the chalk downland habitat.

A large area of woodland also stretches from the north-west to the south-east of the reserve and is composed predominantly of beech and ash with field maple, whitebeam, hazel and spindle.

Both the woodland and open grassland are rich in insects, especially butterflies and over 56 species of birds have been recorded on the reserve.

This site is closed to the public.

Contact us

Contact number: 01483 795440
Contact email: info@surreywt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Permit required