Mount Fancy (BC reserve)
The land managed by Butterfly Conservation at Mount Fancy is divided into 3 parcels; Wessex (Water Board Land), Mount Fancy East (Mount Fancy Farm end) and Mount Fancy West (Shutes Farm end).
Overview
Our Mount Fancy Reserve is 27 hectare of species rich meadows, wet grassland, scrub and semi-ancient woodland plus ancient oaks all located on the lower slopes of the Blackdown Hills, facing north but open to the sun.
The 'bowl', a part of Shutes is the jewel in the reserve with its succession of primrose and cowslips, followed by the orchids and culminating in devils bit scabious.
Key Species
Butterflies: Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Marbled White
Moths: Chimney Sweeper
Walk leaflet
For further information about the walk, please download our walk leaflet.
Species you may see
Please check the flight times for any species you particularly want to see. (species pages)
April & May
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June & July
August
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Autumn
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Directions
Take the B3170 from Taunton and turn left at the cross roads junction towards Chard (and Castle Neroche). and the Staple Hill car park is signposted on your left after about 2 km at OS reference ST 246159.
Please note that the entrance to Staple Hill car park has a height restriction barrier of 2m.
Parking
Staple hill car park (Forestry England).
Please note that the entrance to Staple Hill car park has a height restriction barrier of 2m.
Public Transport
Facilites
Useful links
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