ORCHIDS, butterflies, birds and stunning views – what more could you ask for on a summer walk? Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched a new circular self-guided walk over some of the most beautiful and rare habitats in Britain.

The three-kilometre trail at Fontmell Down Nature Reserve is perfect for a walk this summer holiday, exploring woods, ancient chalk downland and stunning views. Fontmell Down, partly owned by the National Trust and entirely managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, lies in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The nature reserve features rare chalk grassland as well as scrub and woodland, which in turn provide homes to many butterflies, flowers, birds and mammals. Ancient chalk grassland is a supreme habitat for wild flowers in Britain, but it is now very rare, with around 80 per cent of it lost in the last 70 years.

Flowers you might see on a stroll across Fontmell Down include early gentian, pyramidal orchid, chalk milkwort, bird’s foot trefoil, scabious and horseshoe vetch, the latter an important food plant for the larvae of chalkhill blue and Adonis blue butterflies.

Other butterflies you might spot include the silver-spotted skipper, only found on chalk downland in southern England.

Skylarks, buzzards and ravens are among the birds to look out for as you enjoy the far reaching view of the Blackmore Vale.

Neil Gibson, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Mid-Dorset Team Warden said: “Fontmell Down is one of our true ‘jewels’.

“The new way-marked trail has been created to give visitors a more intimate appreciation of the rich variety of flowers, butterflies, birds and animals that make Fontmell Down their home. “The circular walk will guide you through this mix of chalk grassland, scrub and woodland.

“Many thanks are due to Neal’s Yard Remedies for providing funding towards implementation of the trail, and the leaflet/map to accompany the walk.”

Start the Fontmell Down Circular Walk at the National Trust car park at Spread Eagle Hill at map ref. ST 887176 and follow the black arrows.

Fontmell Down has rough and steep terrain, so stout footwear is recommended. The nature reserve is open access, but please follow the Countryside Code and beware of ticks during the summer.

For a trail leaflet or more information, ring 01305 264620 or visit dorsetwildlifetrust .org.uk/fontmell to download your free copy.