Size : 24 hectares

Ownership: Bond Estate

Designation: SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar

Restrictions: Strictly No Access – dangerous site. MoD live firing.

Access: Holme Lane, Wareham

Grid ref: SY 91185 84957

A medium sized area of heath which is free from the public pressure of most heathland reserves.

The Reserve

Holme Mount comprises of dry heath grading down to humid heath and back to dry.
In the centre of the reserve a large hill looks out towards the Purbecks, this area has recently been cleared of pine and is now in the restoration process to extend the dry heath area. The only access to the reserve is through a live MoD firing range, therefore is strictly prohibited. 

What to see

All six reptile species can be located on the reserve including the slow-worm and the adder.

The dryer areas are home to sand lizards and in the humid areas smooth snake, common lizards and grass snake can be found.

Migrant birds are also present including the Dartford warbler, nightjar, stonechat, tree pipit and hobby, along with silver studded blue and grayling butterflies.