 |
| for
yesterday’s countryside |
Wildflower meadows and woodland
surround the Folly
Farm Centre at the heart of Folly
Farm, a 250-acre nature reserve between Bath and Bristol
which offers spectacular views over Chew Valley Lake
and the Mendips.
What
to look out for
The meadows are of a type now rare
in Britain. Unspoilt by pesticides and fertilisers,
in summer they are brimming with flowers such as betony,
ox-eye daisy and heath spotted orchid. In late summer,
they are covered with drifts of black knapweed and
devil's-bit scabious which attract butterflies such
as ringlet, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper and marbled
white.
The woodland floor of Dowling's Wood is extremely
rich in springtime flowers, such as primrose, bluebell
and early purple orchid. An extensive badger sett can
be seen from the Access for All path in the woodland.
Look out for nuthatch, buzzard and great spotted woodpecker.
Tawny owls also nest and roost on the farm.
Further information
The Folly Farm Centre is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Trust.
The wildflower meadows and Dowlings Wood are
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Access
Dogs are not allowed at Folly
Farm because it is a working farm.
| Bike |
View a location map of the
reserve on the National
Cycle Network website. |
| Public transport |
Go to www.traveline.org.uk |
| Car |
From the A37 turn right at
the Chelwood roundabout onto the A368 towards Bishop
Sutton. After about 2 miles go past the turning
to Chew Magna and take the next small turning on
your left before reaching Stowey.
Download directions here. |
main photo: Dave Saunders |
