Ownership: Defence Estates

Designation: SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar

Restrictions: No public access

Emergency Access: King George V Rd

Grid ref: SY 82639 90406

The Reserve

Woolsbridge Heath is a large reserve totalling 39.5 hectares. Located within the Bovington tank training area, access is strictly prohibited. The habitat of the area ranges from dry heath to humid heath with areas of acid bog. Scots pine woodland is located around the edges of the reserve. All six native species of reptile are located on the reserve, with the smooth snake in particular relishing the extensive areas of wet and humid heath.

Species you might spot:

Reptiles.

Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis)  

Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) 

Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) 

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) 

Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) 

Adder (Vipera berus)

Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)

Hobby (Falco subbutteo)

This is by no means a comprehensive list of species on the reserve.