Castle Hill is an important site for wildlife within easy walking distance of Shaftesbury town centre. A variety of habitats including grassy slopes, wetland areas and well developed woodland. Over 130 types of plant occur here and 40 bird species have been recorded. A range of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies can also be seen.

The north facing slopes look out across Dorset to the Somerset and Wiltshire border, with views of King Alfred's Tower and the long wooded line of Penselwood Ridge. On a clear day Glastonbury Tor is visible in the west. Castle Hill is protected as a Scheduled Monument.  It is the site of a fortified house from the Middle Ages – it may have been built during a period of civil war nearly 900 years ago.

Nearest Town Shaftesbury
Look out for

Betony, Devils-bit Scabious wildflowers and Blackcap birds

Habitats Grassland, woodland, scrub, wetland and a pond
Site designations

Site of Nature Conservation Interest and Scheduled Monument

Nearest bus stop Bimport, Breach Lane, Tout Hill 
Nearest train station Gillingham (5 miles) 
Grid reference ST 855 227
Postcode SP7 8LD
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Size 4.86 hectares
Parking Roadside parking available along Bimport
Accessibility Stepped paths not suitable for wheelchair users
Owner Shaftesbury Town Council
Managed by Dorset Council (Area Greenspace Management Team - North)
How to get there Most easily approached from Castle Hill Gardens, behind the ambulance station on Bimport (B3091) or, from the bottom of the site, through the gates off  Breach Lane, Shaftesbury.

Senior Countryside Ranger - North Dorset

Name: Graham Stanley
Email: graham.stanley@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01258 456970
Full contact details