Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Barrington Hill NNR is made up of four meadows of unimproved, species-rich neutral grassland, a habitat rarely found in England. In spring, green-winged orchid are particularly plentiful throughout the meadows, and other orchids regularly recorded include the early purple, common twayblade and common spotted varieties. The site is also particularly notable for its abundance of rare French oat-grass, a nationally rare plant and major constituent of the grassland. The hedgerows, which include some large oak trees, are also home to a wide range of birds, small mammals and insects. Butterflies found on the reserve include common blue, meadow brown, speckled wood, brimstone and orange tip. To maintain the grassland, a late hay cut is taken from each field in July or August. The aftermath growth is then grazed by herds of cattle and/or sheep. Hedgerows are left to grow uncut for a few years to provide habitat for small mammals and birds.
About the area
Somerset remains rural and unspoiled, and ever popular areas to visit are the limestone and red sandstone Mendip Hills rising to over 1,000 feet, and by complete contrast, to the south and southwest, the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. Another popular spot, the Quantocks, once the haunt of poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, are noted for their gentle slopes, heather-covered moorland expanses and red deer.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Meare Court Farm
Meare Court Farm is a working cider farm that offers beautiful converted barns in idyllic Somerset countryside. You'll have your own hot tub and there's an enclosed garden/patio with ba...
Rose Cottage
Awaiting description...
The Granary
The Granary is a beautiful converted barn with 2 ensuite bedrooms with a hot tub and an enclosed garden area....
The Old Mill
The Old Mill is a self-catering converted barn with its own hot tub....
The Barn
Awaiting description...
Ashe Farm Camping & Caravan Site
A well-screened site surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, with two large touring fields. The modern facilities block includes toilets and showers plus a separate laundry room. This si...
Flossy Brook
Flossy Brook sits in a private 1-acre plot on the edge of the village of Bishopswood, surrounded by the beautiful Blackdown Hills. This luxury lodge is light and airy with plenty of spa...
Flossy Brook Villa
Flossy Brook sits in a private 1-acre plot on the edge of the village of Bishopswood, surrounded by the beautiful Blackdown Hills. This luxury lodge is light and airy with plenty of spa...
