Barrington Hill NNR is made up of 4 meadows of unimproved, species-rich neutral grassland. This is a habitat rarely found in England. Main habitats: grassland Features of interest In spring, green-winged orchid are particularly plentiful throughout the meadows. Other orchids regularly recorded include the early purple, common twayblade and common spotted varieties. The best time to visit is between early May and early June. The site is particularly notable for its abundance of rare French oat-grass, a nationally scarce plant and major constituent of the grassland. The hedgerows (some with large oaks) are also home to a wide range of birds, small mammals and insects. Local butterflies include common blue, meadow brown, speckled wood, brimstone and orange tip. To maintain the grassland, a late hay cut is taken from each field in July or August. The aftermath growth is then grazed with cattle and/or sheep. Hedgerows are left to grow uncut for a few years to provide habitat for small mammals and birds. A section of hedge is laid each year. Directions The nearest station is Taunton. Bus services run from Taunton along the A358 to local villages. Access to the site is by minor roads from the A358. The entrance to the site is located near Barrington Hill Farm on the minor road from Bickenhall to Horton village. Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. Contact For more information contact Natural England Enquiries, tel. 0300 060 3900 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk