Hardington Moor National Nature Reserve is a group of species-rich grassland meadows near Yeovil in Somerset. You can walk through the reserve on a route from Coker Hill Lane, with wildflowers and butterflies among its notable features.
- Setting: Three meadows surrounded by established hedges.
- Location: 2.5 miles southwest of Yeovil, off the A30.
- Walking: The Hardington Parish Walk passes through the reserve to Ridge Lane.
- Access: The route enters through a kissing gate; winter conditions can be wet.
Where Hardington Moor is
Hardington Moor lies beside Coker Hill Lane, between Hardington Mandeville and West Coker. Natural England describes it as 2.5 miles southwest of Yeovil, off the A30. The reserve comprises three meadows, with established hedges around them.
The location makes the reserve a countryside outing close to Yeovil, rather than a large park with facilities. Its mapped point is at latitude 50.913157 and longitude -2.690965.
Habitats and wildlife
Hardington Moor’s meadows are species-rich neutral grassland, with more than 100 higher plant species. Natural England describes them as one of England’s finest remaining examples of this habitat.
French oat-grass, a nationally scarce plant, grows throughout the reserve. Green-winged orchids and adder’s-tongue fern are also found in large numbers. Other recorded orchids include common spotted, pyramidal, common twayblade, early purple, southern marsh, autumn lady’s-tresses and greater butterfly orchids.
Butterflies recorded here include large skipper, green-veined white, green hairstreak, gatekeeper, common blue and tortoiseshell. Spring is a time to look for green-winged orchids.
Walking and exploring the reserve
The Hardington Parish Walk gives you a route through the reserve, entering the fields from Coker Hill Lane through a kissing gate. From there, the path follows the hedge on your left uphill through the reserve to Ridge Lane.
Other named routes pass close by: the Monarch’s Way and Liberty Trail both run near Hardington Moor. The reserve is also near Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 30 and close to its junction with Route 26. For another countryside walk, Ham Hill Country Park walks, views and parking are another subject to consider.
Access, parking and paths
The Hardington Parish Walk leaflet directs walkers to park next to St Mary’s Church in Hardington Mandeville for that walk; it does not identify this as reserve parking. The route reaches the reserve from Coker Hill Lane and uses a kissing gate.
The reserve information does not give visitor opening hours, an entrance fee, a recommended visit duration or accessible routes. If you need to confirm arrangements before setting out, check the official site before you go.
Seasonal conditions and responsible visiting
Parts of the Hardington Parish Walk route can become very wet in winter, and the leaflet recommends wellington boots for those conditions. Spring offers a chance to see green-winged orchids; the reserve’s grassland supports a range of other flowering plants and butterflies too.
How do you get to Hardington Moor from Yeovil?
From Yeovil, head towards the A30 and Coker Hill Lane, between Hardington Mandeville and West Coker. Natural England identifies Yeovil as the nearest railway station and says local bus services run from Yeovil along the A30.
From Halfway House, Hardington Moor is about a 16-minute drive.
FAQs
Is Hardington Moor a nature reserve?
Yes. It is a National Nature Reserve in Somerset, made up of three meadows of species-rich grassland.
Can you cycle near Hardington Moor?
National Cycle Network Route 30 passes near the reserve, close to its junction with Route 26.
Which railway station is nearest?
Yeovil is the nearest railway station named by Natural England.