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Mount Fancy Farm Butterfly Reserve

Mount Fancy Farm Reserve, 13 hectares, has an interesting mixture of woodland, grassland and other open habitats on the Blackdowns ridge, as well as magnificent views over South Somerset. These old meadows and rough pasture, full of wildflowers and insects and surrounded by veteran oaks, are set in the extensive woodland habitats of the Neroche Forest. Coppice, wood-pasture and marshy grassland are the broad range of habitats present, maintained by the grazing of Exmoor Ponies.

The reserve is part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is leased from the Forestry Commission who are leading a major landscape project for the area. This project will restore extensive areas of wildlife habitats that will link with this reserve. For more details see the Neroche Scheme website.

Managed by Butterfly Conservation.

Butterfly highlights: Wood White, Brown Hairstreak, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary.

Moths: Chimney Sweeper.

Other wildlife: Dormice are present on this reserve.

Location: The reserve comprises two sections - the Mount Fancy Farm half to the east and the Shutes Farm half to the west. Access can be gained from the lanes leading from Staple Fitzpane to (and ending at) both those farms. There is only limited lane verge parking near the entrances.

Map reference: ST 250 164

 

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