Mosaic of relic heathy grassland and ancient and secondary woodland on the steep north-facing slope of Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
A
West Buckland walk
posted on 27/08/21 by Somerset Wildlife Trust. Last update : 27/08/21
Description
(S/E) From the Merry Harriers cross the road and head down the lane signposted towards Angersleigh. Head down the hill for about 150 metres and go through the kissing gate on the left into Quants Nature Reserve.
Carry on down the track through the healthy grassland following round to the right just before the wooden field gate. This area is summer grazed by ponies. Continue over the stile beside the gate, across the track into the wood and then, after a further 100 metres, fork left down the hill through the wood. Continue through the woodland looking out for spring flowers and Dormouse gnawed hazelnuts.
(1) At the bottom of this woodland track leave Quant's reserve through the squeezer stile and turn sharp left along the public bridleway. The area below the track is summer grazed by Longhorn cattle.
(2) Continue along the bridleway entering Ruggin Nature Reserve. At the end of the ancient woodland go through the gate following the bridleway along the edge of the field. The fields here are cut for hay and are very flower rich. Leaving Ruggin Reserve continue along the bridleway with Farm Wood House below the track.
(3) Continue along this track until you reach the T junction at the ruin of Old Lake Cottage and turn left onto the track going up the hill.
(4) After about 200 metres turn left through the pedestrian gate following the bridleway uphill through Buckland Wood. At the top of the wood turn left keeping the field on your right, this will take you back to the entrance to Buckland Wood on the opposite side of the road to the site of the Merry Harriers.(S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 251 m - Merry Harriers
- 1 : km 1.01 - alt. 179 m - Bottom of the woodland
- 2 : km 1.64 - alt. 167 m - Ruggin Nature Reserve
- 3 : km 2.41 - alt. 141 m - T-junction
- 4 : km 2.75 - alt. 192 m - Pedestrian gate
- S/E : km 3.83 - alt. 251 m - Merry Harriers
Useful Information
The route is along paths and tracks and is steep in places. Some sections can be muddy in wet weather. Please take care when crossing or walking along roads. The road by the site of the Merry Harriers can be busy with fast moving traffic. Dogs welcome, but must be kept on a lead.
More details : https://www.somersetwildlife.org/wildlif...
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Silver-washed Fritillary
The Silver-washed Fritillary can be distinguished from the other large fritillaries by the pattern on its underside. The male also has four, very broad, black stripes across the forewings.
Nuthatch
Nuthatches are grey above, with a black eyestripe, white cheeks and throat, and rusty belly.
Fly Agaric
Probably the most familiar looking fungus, with its famous red cap with white spots or ‘warts’. The cap is rounded or flat. The flesh and stem are white and the gills under the cap are free of the stem.
