Dunster Park and Heathlands

Dunster Park and Heathlands
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Shown within Somerset
Area of Search Somerset
Grid reference SS955441
Interest Biological
Area 466.6 hectares (4.666 km2; 1.802 sq mi)
Notification 2000 (2000)
Natural England website

Dunster Park and Heathlands (grid reference SS955441) is a 466.6 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset, notified in 2000.

This site is located in the north-east of the Exmoor National Park within a few miles of the Bristol Channel near the village of Dunster, and is notified for 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