Hampshire Wildlife Trust Reserve: Coulters Dean
Coulter's Dean A valuable fragment of chalk grassland.Map Ref: SU 748 195; Landranger 197; Explorer 120.
Wildlife: Although small, this patch of grassland contains a particularly rich collection of flowers and butterflies. Chalk rarities such as round headed rampion may be found among the more typical hairy violet and common rock-rose, along with several orchid species, including bee and fragrant. Taller plants such as devil's-bit scabious, marjoram and knapweeds attract many insects, while others provide food for butterfly larvae. Kidney vetch attracts many small blue butterflies while an abundance of cowslips support a significant Duke of Burgundy colony.
The Beech trees alongside the reserve add variety, but invading scrub has to be controlled. The future of this important fragment of grassland depends on continuing the grazing which maintains the short sward. Coulter's Dean is a Hampshire Wildlife Trust Reserve.
Access: The reserve is easily viewed from the footpath which runs along the eastern side. Access to the reserve is limited to permit holders. Permits are available free of charge from Trust Headquarters at Eastleigh. Visitors with permits are asked to call at the farm to let the owner know they are on the reserve.
Parking: Parking can be difficult since the only place to park is on the verge of the very narrow lane. Please make sure that other vehicles can pass and that you are not blocking access to the farm and to the fields.
Directions: Take the B2146 from Petersfield towards South Harting. In about two miles take the right turn towards Ditcham Park School. At the next junction take the right fork to Coulter's Dean Farm.
This document maintained by Gerry
Milner-Walker
Material Copyright © 2002 Hampshire Wildlife Trust and Gerry Milner-Walker