Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve
A hidden chalk downland valley (coombe), south west of Salisbury. Coombe Bissett Down is notable for its fantastic landscape; with archaeological features include strip lynchets (medieval terraces deliberately cut into the slopes to create arable fields). In summer, the steep slopes of the coombe are ablaze with flowers and butterflies. The 35ha reserve provides ample opportunity for walking.
Approximately one quarter (8ha) of the reserve is unimproved chalk grassland, forming part of Homington and Coombe Bissett Down Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The vast proportion of this species-rich downland is found on the steep west-facing slopes. The diverse botanical assemblage includes rarities such as Bastard Toadflax (Thesium humifusum), Dwarf sedge (Carex humilis) and Burnt Orchid (Orchis ustulata). A wide variety of invertebrates are also found here. The two most southern of the slope compartments are especially important for the rare Solitary bee (Andrena hattorifiana) which collects pollen almost exclusively from Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis). To ensure that there is adequate pollen for the bees, a section of this down is left ungrazed in July and August.
Coombe Bissett Down is now also the livestock base for the New Life for Chalk Project. The project aims to restore unmanaged grassland and revert marginal arable land back to grassland. Dexter cattle are being bred at Coombe Bissett to provide grazing on reserves and to enable the Trust to manage chalk grassland belonging to other landowners who are unable to graze it themselves. The hardy, native Dexters have been specifically selected as they are small and lightweight and do not damage the fragile chalk soils. Other species such as Herdwick sheep are also being used as they will graze on less palatable swards and help control scrub and bramble regrowth.
Wildlife
Wildlife found here includes chalk downland butterflies such as Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus), Chalkhill Blue (Lysandra coridon), Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) and Marbled White (Melanargia galathea). Wildflowers include Burnt Orchid (Orchis ustulata), Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis). Birds include Skylarks (Alauda arvensis), Yellowhammers (Emberiza citrinella), Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) and Whitethroats (Sylvia communis).
In addition to the rare Solitary bee (Andrena hattorifiana) mentioned above, the Biodiversity Action Plan bumblebee species Brown-banded Carder bee (Bombus humilis) has also been found on the Reserve.
The first record for Wiltshire of the Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi) was also recorded at the site. A species found typically on the south coast, the Wasp Spider has recently expanded its range northward.
History and management
The flatter valley bottom area of the Reserve is likely to have had a long history of arable cultivation and occasional use as pasture and only the steeper slopes would have been permanent grassland. The whole site is now grazed with Dexter cattle and sheep.
When the Trust acquired the site in 1995, the fields on the eastern side of the reserve alongside Pennings Drove were arable. In 1999 the Trust began the process of re-creating chalk grassland on these 11ha which has involved stripping the soil of nutrients and sowing wildflower seed. Results so far are promising with highlights including the 22 Pyramidal Orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis) found in summer 2008.
Other information
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a short leash at all times of year.
Best time to visit: Spring or summer
Habitat: Chalk Downland
Specialities of the reserve: The rare Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Solitary bee, Brown-banded Carder bee, Wasp Spider.
Location: Coming from Salisbury on the Salisbury to Blandford road (A354) at Coombe Bissett, take first turn left to Homington after passing the Fox and Goose pub. After 0.5 miles turn right into Pennings Drove. Follow road uphill for 0.25 mile. Reserve entrance (metal gate) and car park on the right at grid reference SU111256. Access to reserve for wheelchair users through small gate in car park.
