BURITON DOWN
Buriton is the smallest, but first, MDT Reserve. It is a triangular piece of original downland which has somehow escaped being quarried as part of the large Buriton Limeworks complex, now not worked. It was planted up during the 1930s as part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest (now a Country Park). Its botanical interest derives from the grassland not having been agriculturally improved.
Management is agreed on a yearly basis by discussion between Andrew Bray and the MDT. Whilst MDT organises and carries out cutting as required, plus keeping fencing in order, we are very grateful to Andrew Bray for organising grazing by sheep from his flock, as agreed with us.
Owing to a past history of lack of regular grazing and the influence of the many surrounding trees dropping leaves on the grass for years, the turf has become heavily invaded by both Dewberry and Hemp Agrimony. Under the twin assaults of cutting and hard, intermittent grazing, the area of high quality chalk turf is gradually expanding.
Regrettably there is no public access route to this reserve and it is therefore not open to the general public, unlike all our other reserves. Access for MDT members is, however, possible by agreement with Mr Bray.
Management is agreed on a yearly basis by discussion between Andrew Bray and the MDT. Whilst MDT organises and carries out cutting as required, plus keeping fencing in order, we are very grateful to Andrew Bray for organising grazing by sheep from his flock, as agreed with us.
Owing to a past history of lack of regular grazing and the influence of the many surrounding trees dropping leaves on the grass for years, the turf has become heavily invaded by both Dewberry and Hemp Agrimony. Under the twin assaults of cutting and hard, intermittent grazing, the area of high quality chalk turf is gradually expanding.
Regrettably there is no public access route to this reserve and it is therefore not open to the general public, unlike all our other reserves. Access for MDT members is, however, possible by agreement with Mr Bray.
