New public nature reserve opens in Dorset
Knighton Reserve was a sand quarry and former WW2 airbase
A new public nature reserve has opened in Dorset providing an ecological space for dog walkers, bird watchers, anglers, horse riders, cyclists and ramblers, along with multiple natural habitats for local wildlife.
Knighton Reserve, which borders Warmwell and Crossways, forms part of the Silverlake estate, a private ecological luxury holiday home estate built around an expanse of lakes, woodlands and heathlands.
The 15.5 Hectare Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) will open to the public for the first time since the site was a former sand quarry and WW2 air base.
The SANG has been carefully designed to meet the needs of a wide range of wildlife species, including dormice, smooth snake, Great crested newts and the Silver-studded blue butterfly.
It is made up of acid grassland, broadleaved woodland, wet woodlands, scrubs, waterbodies, lakeside beeches and reed beds. Integrated into the natural habitats will be walking routes, dog friendly zones, bridal paths and birdwatching lookouts.
Dog walkers and ramblers
Four designated dog-friendly circular walking routes, ranging from one kilometre to four kilometres provide pathways through the reserve that take in the cross section of habitats.
Included in the network is Pooch’s Place route, a one kilometre walk that is set aside as the only area where dogs are allowed off-lead. This area includes a dog splash pond and dog swimming area in an enclosed area of one of the three lakes.
Bird watchers
Scattered throughout the reserve are allocated bird watching viewing posts, from where an array of species can be seen. The Silverlake Estate becomes home to dozens of local and migrating species throughout the year, including a number of red and amber listed species, such as Woodlarks, Warblers, Nightjars and Scaup.
Gulls: A large number of gulls can be found on the reserve throughout the year, including the Black-headed Gull; Lesser black-backed Gull; Greater Black-Back Gull; and Herring Gull.
Geese and Ducks: Watch out for large flocks of Canada Goose and Greylag Goose; Gadwall; Wigeon; Tufted Duck; Shoveler; and Mallard.
Waders: In amongst the lakes can be found Little Ringed Plover, which regularly breed at Silverlake, along with Dunlin, Common Sandpiper; Green Sandpiper; Snipe; Little Egret; and Great White Egret.
Birds of prey: In the skies above the SANG Peregrines, Marsh Harriers; Hobby; Buzzard; Red Kite; and Kestrel can be seen hoovering and soaring looking for prey to swoop on.
Other species: In the summer months Sand martins can be found in the purpose build boxes on Sand martin Bank. Walking around the reserve, keen twitchers will also be able to spot House martin, Swift, Woodlark, Skylark, various Warblers, Whitethroat and Black Cap.
Horse riders
Running around the edge of the SANG is a bridleway which joins with local riding routes, which also cuts through Silverlake’s scattering of residential villages.
Anglers
In the centre of the SANG are two adjoined fishing lakes which will be exclusively for the use of members of the onsite Angler’s Club. Within the lakes, anglers will find a selection of Common and Mirror carp, Perch, Bream, Roach, Hybrids and Rudd.
Will Vicary, Director of Land and Planning for Habitat First Group which owns and manages the Silverlake Estate and Knighton Reserve says:
“The primary purpose of our SANG at Silverlake is to provide a space for wildlife to thrive in its natural habitat. Open space is incredibly important for mental health and we hope that people will come and enjoy the space, but ask everyone to understand that we all have a responsibility to protect the animals, insects and plant life that have made the SANG their home.”