Hog Cliff

Hog Cliff is a national nature reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south east of Maiden Newton, Dorset and north-west of Dorchester.[1] It was notified as an SSSI in 1981.[1] The site is also part of the much larger Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is adjacent to the Court Farm, Sydling SSSI.[2]

Hog Cliff
View over Hog Cliff
Type	Chalk downland
Location	Dorset, England
Nearest city	Maiden Newton
Coordinates	50.777°N 2.541°W / 50.777; -2.541
Area	86.7 hectares (214 acres)
Status	SSSI

The area of the site is 86.7 hectares (214 acres).[1] It is a chalk downland and thus part of the Dorset Downs. The site includes grassland, scrub and a small amount of woodland (mostly ash and oak, with a hazel and field maple understory);[3] within the grassland there is a difference in character, and the species that it supports, which varies according to the gradient and aspect of the slopes.[1] While the invertebrates on the site have not been extensively studied, it is known that species such as the rare Adonis blue and marsh fritillary butterflies can be found there; this is in addition to more common species such as the green hairstreak, common blue and gatekeeper.[3] Fungi, particularly grassland varieties, are very well represented at Hog Cliff; the SSSI citation indicates over 60 genera as having been identified,[1] whilst Natural England claim 100 species for the NNR.[3] Cattle and sheep graze the site throughout the year to keep the grassland open.[3]

In 2008, a case was brought by the Environment Agency against a nearby pig farmer who was deliberately allowing pig slurry to be discharged onto land that included part of the Hog Cliff reserve.[4]