About the reserve

Please note, as of 1 November 2024 this nature reserve is now managed by the National Trust.

Spectacular views across North Somerset and the Mendips made Dolebury Warren the natural choice for an imposing Iron Age hill fort, built 3000 years ago.

Today, wildflowers carpet the grassy ramparts and hill slopes, attracting rare butterflies.  

Wildlife

You will find small scabious, early purple orchid and eyebright flower in the limestone grassland which covers the summit and slopes.

The unusual mixture of wildflowers makes this a nationally important site for wildlife. 'Lime-loving' plants like rockrose flourish alongside such 'acid-loving' plants as bell heather, which survive on patches of acidic sand blown onto the site during the ice age.  

Late May to August is the best time to see wildflowers and butterflies, including small blues and marbled whites, but the spectacular views will be enjoyed whatever the season.

The visible remains of Dolebury's past include the imposing double ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort and a medieval rabbit warren.  

Dolebury Warren is an SSSI. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by Avon Wildlife Trust.