Folly Farm

a flagship reserve

herb paris

Grid ref: 610 603 / Area: 101 hectares

This peaceful and unspoilt farm is a timeless piece of 'Old England'. The beautiful meadows and woodlands also offer spectacular views over Chew Valley Lake and the Mendips.

If you are driving :
Travelling southwards from Bristol on the A37 travel through Pensford. At the Chelwood roundabout turn right 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 very shortly after, just before reaching Stowey.

Or travel by bus from Bristol to Bishop Sutton (nos 673, 674, 675) or to Clutton no 376.

Current access restrictions
Work on the Folly Farm buildings is scheduled to continue until May 2008 but the reserve will remain open to visitors during the construction period. For safety reasons there is NO ACCESS to the building area within the contractor's compound or upper car park near the farm buildings themselves. Please park in the lower car park, follow marked footpaths and of course beware of contractors' vehicles. Please remember to close all the gates. No dogs allowed.

Wildlife and conservation
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.

Many butterflies can be seen throughout the summer, including ringlet, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper and marbled white. The rare marsh fritillary has also been found there, flying in early summer.

Of the two woodlands, Dowlings Wood is largely ancient, being an old hazel coppice. The woodland floor is extremely rich in springtime flowers, such as primrose, bluebell and early purple orchid.

Amongst the many birds that can be seen are nuthatch, buzzard and great spotted woodpecker. Tawny owls also nest and roost on the farm.

Most of the fields are grazed by sheep. The SSSI is lightly grazed in the autumn by cattle to favour marsh fritillaries and other wildlife. The woods are selectively thinned and coppiced.

Other points of interest
The farm buildings date back to the 17th century, and are being restored to provide visitor facilities. 30 hectares of new woodlands are being planted on surplus improved grassland.

Further information
Folly Farm is owned by the Trust. The wildflower meadows and Dowlings Wood are an SSSI.

A Walk at Folly Farm