Beer Mill Mead Conservation Area is a small SNCI in the village of Leigh that is subject to a Candle Auction Process to enable local conservationists to secure its use each year. Conservation work is all done by volunteers to allow it to be kept as a small reserve. The site is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and worthy of retaining as a conservation area.

 

Dry area – Oak woodland.

 

 

 

 

 

The area is on the Leigh to Yetminster Road, just on the Leigh side of Stake Ford. It is available for anyone interested in wildlife, plants, birds, fauna or just spending a quiet time enjoying the peace of this small area.

Despite its small size, the site holds a diversity of woodland structure and is managed to retain dead wood and the open grassland glade. The wet Alder woodland in particular is of great interest and unusual, whilst the drier woodland is typical of semi-natural woodland in this part of Dorset and in particular supports some fine mature trees on the boundary banks.

The opportunity for its use to continue as a conservation area depends on being successful at the Leigh Candle Auction and the money paid goes to support Leigh charities and good causes.

 

Small mammal trap opening.

Wet area – Water Alders.                                              Yetminster Scouts installing bird boxes.