Jerry's Hole lies on chalk downland.  The local name seems to have been derived from a tramp called Jerry who had a make-shift home there.  It seems clear that the area was once an old chalk working as there are two relatively deep scrub filled pits and many otherwise inexplicable ridges. A hay-meadow type flora has colonised the more level parts.  From the point of view of butterflies, this little reserve is like an oasis in the middle of the large arable and improved pasture "deserts" which have replaced the original chalk downland.Butterflies which wander from the unimproved slopes of the Crown property to the south, between Sutton Hill and Coombe Bottom, and the similarly unspoilt downland, owned by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, over the hill to the north at Brandis, can drop into the Jerry's Hole nectar bar.  This explains why, although the total number of species recorded is thirty, the numbers which appear on the annual transect counts vary widely between twenty and twenty-seven.The exciting thing about Jerry's Hole is that you never know what unexpected species may occur.  Management is difficult because, left to its own devices, the area soon becomes covered by scrub.  The presence of large carpets of the shade loving Dog's Mercury suggests that this is what must have happened for long periods in its history.  In most years it is sheep grazed in winter and spring, but visitors wanting to view the rich hay meadow style flora must be warned that in some years summer grazing has to be employed, partly to keep the coarser grasses and scrub under control, but also because, especially in dry years, there may be a shortage of grass on Fontmell Down and the sheep need to feed somewhere!This is by far the shortest walk and visitors may want to use up more energy before finding local refreshments.  There are three further possibilities:  the lane where the walk starts carries on down to Fontmell Magna and, for those who do not like retracing their steps, there is another return route across the fields to the north of the parking area.  Alternatively there is a walk along Sutton Down described on a notice attached to the stile on the other side of the road.  Finally, for really hardened addicts, there are further walks at Clubmen's Down, Fontmell Down, and Stubhampton Bottom, all described in this book and very close by.

SECTION 1: SAXON LANE  (Length 155m).

Before embarking on the walk enjoy the magnificent view to the south-west.  Rising out of the vale are the ramparts of the Iron Age fort of Hambledon Hill, built on the site of a much more ancient Neolithic camp.  Behind Hambledon Hill the top of Shillingstone Hill can be seen.Start the walk by proceeding down the lane immediately to the west of the parking place.  Notice immediately one of the constant and infuriating problems which irritate those who attempt to manage reserves.  Late at night the "Bedstead Men" of Flanders and Swan's famous song in "At the Drop of a Hat" are busily at work.  In the case of Jerry's Hole it is more usually the garden rubbish disposal squads who help fastidious gardeners to use the countryside as a tip for their unwanted clippings and prunings.  The rubbish is modern, but the lane is at least Saxon.  This is proved by a Saxon Charter which uses it to define a boundary.On your left is a tangled and overgrown spinney, and on your right a rather thin hedge which must nevertheless be very old, judging from the large number of tree and shrub species found in it.  The rule of thumb for dating hedgerows is approximately one species per century, not counting transients like Bramble and Old Man's Beard (Traveller's Joy).  The butterflies have probably been using this lane since Saxon times.  In spring Brimstones, Orange Tips and Holly Blues can be seen flying purposefully up and down this highway rather than through the uninviting fields.  Speckled Woods and, in good migration years, Red Admirals often set up territories along the edges of the land and leap out like highwaymen when intruders appear.Keep walking down the lane until you reach a gate on your left.  Go through it, taking care to close it after you.  You are now in Jerry's Hole, Section 2 of the walk.

SECTION 2: JERRY'S HOLE  (Length 196m).

Jerry's Hole is a small field or paddock bounded on all sides by thick old hedgerows.  The walk is not marked out; simply make a circuit by strolling around the perimeter.  Turn left (east) and pass a Whitebeam tree.  It looks magnificent at almost any time of year but is possibly at its best in spring when the leaf buds look like white candles and are every bit as impressive as Magnolias.  To really appreciate Jerry's Hole, you need to walk through it at least once a month.  You will then become aware that it presents an always changing wild flower show.The theatrical production starts in early spring with a thin purple dusting of Violets.  Next come the Cowslips which give way to White and Yellow Bedstraws.  Soon the Yellow Rattle, which is a parasite plant on grass, moves to the front of the stage.  By August the blues and mauves of Scabious and Knapweed are struggling against the browns of the now dead Yellow Rattle for superiority.  Dotted around amongst these dominants are the rarer solo players.  In June bright blue Columbines (Aquilegias or Granny's Bonnets) stand out like jewels; by early July the slightly vulgar yellowish and upright Knapweed Broomrapes thrust themselves forward.  The plant is a rarity and is a parasite on Knapweed.  By August it has turned red-brown and is being challenged in its solo role by clumps of yellow and cream Toadflax.As you walk around the edges of the paddock one eye needs to be trained on the hedgerow and the other on the hay meadow in the middle.  At the appropriate times of year watch for Holly Blues, Ringlets, Speckled Woods, and Gatekeepers in the hedges; Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Small Coppers and Skippers in the meadows.  Be always on the look out for the less common visitors.  In some years male Green Hairstreaks mark out territories in the hedges.  Dark Green Fritillaries and Silver-washed Fritillaries have been known to drop by.  In at least two years the Duke of Burgundy turned up, and Adonis and Chalkhill Blues often make special guest appearances.  In most years there are a few Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, and even a Brown Argus or two.  Summer evenings from 10 p.m. onwards see one or two Glow-worms illuminating the tall grasses with their green lights.  The Strawberry Snail is quite common, and it was perhaps a sudden increase in its numbers which in one year triggered off a amazing Glow-worm population explosion in which a count of two changed to six hundred in two weeks!The essential back-drop to all this splendour is provided by the trees and shrubs which give the shelter.  For such a small area the range is quite surprising.  If you have some time to spare, use a reference book to track down the following:  Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Buckthorn; Sallow, Ash, Crab Apple;  Elder, Dogwood, Privet and Wayfarer.  All round the trees and hedges there is Ivy and Traveller's Joy.  Come on the right day in early August and the scent from the little greenish-white flowers of the Traveller's Joy can be as heady as Orange Blossom.When the circular walk around the paddock has been completed, exit via the gate.  You can return up the lane or, if wanting to extend the walk, turn left and follow it down to Fontmell Magna.