Dunster Park and Heathlands (grid reference SS955441) is a 466.6 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset, notified in 2000.
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
  Location within Somerset | |
| Location | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | SS955441 |
| Coordinates | 51°11′12″N 3°29′48″W / 51.18654°N 3.49663°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 466.6 hectares (4.666 km2; 1.802 sq mi) |
| Notification | 2000 |
| Natural England website | |
This site is located in the northeast of Exmoor National Park, within a few miles of the Bristol Channel near the village of Dunster. It is designated for its nationally important lowland dry heath, dry lowland acid grassland, wood-pasture with veteran trees and ancient semi-natural oak woodland habitats. The fauna of the lowland heath includes a nationally rare butterfly, the heath fritillary (Mellicta athalia). The assemblage of beetles associated with the veteran trees is of national significance.[1]
References
edit- ^ "Dunster Park and Heathlands" (PDF). English Nature. Retrieved 12 August 2006.