The
Friary is set on the north-facing slope of the Dorset Downs, an
Area of Outstanding Natural beauty with views over the Blackmore
Vale and towards the Mendip Hills. Part of our nineteen acres
has been designated as a site of Special Nature Conservation Interest,
and a Countryside Ranger has described our grassland as 'one of
the finest wild-flower meadows in Dorset'. Adjacent to our land
the Dorset Wildlife Trust has recently acquired Hendford Coppice,
a richly diverse area of woodland. Our aim is
to manage our land to enable the greatest possible diversity of
plant life and animal habit.
Being
followers of St Francis of Assisi, who has been named 'The Patron
Saint of Ecology', we want to encourage others to share in this
with us, both through working on the land and by reflecting on
our relationship with the environment.
We welcome individuals and groups and have both self
catering and full board accommodation. We advertise special
days and courses for those interested in the environment.
