Protecting a fragile landscape
Over a million visitors enjoy Hengistbury Head each year - that’s a lot of footsteps on a delicate site. Our rangers and volunteers work hard to balance public access with protecting the wildlife, habitats, and archaeology that make this place so special.
Wildlife worth protecting
- Skylarks nest on the ground in Barn Field - protected from trampling
- Natterjack toads, one of Britain’s rarest amphibians, thrive in our man-made ponds
- Sand lizards bask in the dunes, shielded by boardwalks
Habitats that matter
Heathland
A rare habitat buzzing with life - adders, nightjars, green tiger beetles, and sundews all call it home.
Woodland
Ancient oak and birch shelter tawny owls, firecrests, and purple hairstreak butterflies.
Salt Marsh
A rich mix of waders, sea lavender, and even wasp spiders. Look for snipe, redshank, and shelduck.
Reedbed
Vital for bearded tits, marsh harriers, and water rails. Managed through cutting and burning to keep it thriving.
Water Meadows
Scarce and species-rich - home to curlews, otters, and wintering birds. Grazed to keep scrub at bay.
Ancient Grassland
Barn Field supports wildflowers, yellow meadow ants, and nesting skylarks - grazing helps keep it in balance.
Sand Dunes
Shifting sands shelter rare plants, natterjacks, and sand lizards - restored through conservation partnerships.
Conservation Grazing at Hengistbury Head
Our Shetland cattle and Cotswold sheep aren’t just adorable - they’re vital to the health of our habitats.
Shetland cattle
Hardy and low-maintenance, these native cattle thrive on poor grazing and exposed conditions. In the 1960s, they were critically endangered, with just 60 animals left worldwide - only four of them bulls. That means every Shetland cow today descends from one of those four bloodlines.
We’re proud to have bull Arwel in our herd, helping boost genetic diversity and support the breed’s recovery. Thanks to their resilience, Shetlands are now a top choice for nature reserves across the UK.
Their wide muzzles mean they can’t overgraze, allowing delicate wildflowers like violets, primroses, and bird’s-foot trefoil to flourish.
Cotswold sheep
Known as Cotswold Lions, these sheep were introduced to Britain by the Romans. Their ‘Golden Fleece’ helped build the wealth of the Cotswolds, but their numbers declined as other breeds became more fashionable.
Today, they’re making a comeback - thanks in part to the Cotswold Sheep Society. Their thick coats protect them from the British weather, and their grazing helps manage sensitive areas like Double Dykes, keeping scrub in check and protecting archaeological features.
Why grazing matters
Without grazing, many habitats would become overrun with grass and bramble. While scrub is valuable for some species, diverse meadows support far more wildlife.
Grazing:
- Prevents dominance by coarse grasses
- Creates bare ground for wildflowers to germinate
- Supports rare species like skylarks, meadow pipits, and 6-spot burnet moths
Barn Field is a perfect example - an ancient grassland full of wildflowers and insect life, maintained beautifully by our grazing animals.
