Hardington Moor National Nature Reserve

Hardington Moor National Nature Reserve is an 8.7 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest located between Hardington Mandeville and West Coker in Somerset. Designated in 1994, the reserve features sloping ground with calcareous clay-rich soils and consists of three meadows surrounded by established hedges. These meadows are examples of species-rich unimproved neutral grassland, which is now rare in the UK, and host a variety of notable plant species, including the abundant French oat-grass, adder's tongue, corky-fruited water-dropwort, and green-winged orchid. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for a range of invertebrates and plants throughout the year, with peak activity noted in May. Notable sightings include butterflies such as the gatekeeper and common blue, as well as the 7-spot ladybird and green nettle weevil. For those interested in nocturnal species, the common pipistrelle can be observed in July, while other species peak around 1:00 AM, making late-night visits particularly rewarding.