Summer is when the first real colours emerge on the heath. It won't be at its best until September but throughout the summer the heath will be alive with butterflies, moths and other insects.

The grayling butterfly is common here, the adults spend much of their time well concealed on the ground, they rarely open their wings at rest, but in flight you might catch a tantilising glimpse of their delicate markings. Other butterflies to look for are the small heaths, green hairstreak and small copper.

On sandy patches, look out for the sun-loving green tiger beetles. These shiny metallic-looking minibeasts are among the fastest runners in the insect world pursuing ants and other prey on the ground. They are ferocious assassins, dispatching of their target with a swift slice of their samurai-like mandibles.

In the plant world dodder (Cuscuta) can easily be found on the heath at this time of year. Locally called hellweed or the devils guts this is an unusual plant indeed. Lacking the green chlorophyll of most pants the dodder does not produce its own energy from the sun. It lives as a parasite on its host heather or gorse, its entwining stems vigorously entangle the gorse and at various points it penetrates the host's stem from where it removes sugars and other nutrients needed for survival. Flowering from July to September look out for the delicate pale pink flowers.

Both on the heath and around the pond summer is the time for darting dragonflies. Sixteen different species have been recorded on the reserve. Watch out for the delicate common blue damselfly that can be seen hovering over the surface of the pondand the fast flying, large blue and green emperor dragonfly which can be seen hunting over the heath.

On Calm summer days a glance over the surface of the pond might reveal basking rudd or tench. Roach may be seen taking flies and occasionally a swimming grass snake may appear hunting an unsuspecting frog or newt.

The poisonous adder is also found here occasionally. A much persecuted reptile that is harmless if left unmolested is now specially protected by law.

Alder Hills Fishing Club has been formed to help maintain the heath and lake and improve facilities for fishing. If you fish here please join and obtain a permit from the Alder Hills Fishing Club.

The Dorset Trust is a voluntary organisation working to conserve Dorset's rich and varied wildlife. The Trust aims to safeguard Dorset's best wildlife areas for the future. One way it does this is by establishing and managing nature reserves such as this one. If you would like more information about Alder Hills or other trust work, contact the Dorset Wildlife Trust at the following address Brooklands Farm, Forston, Dorchester DT2 7AA Tel: 01305 264620

To report any problem connected with the reserve contact the wardens on tel: 07970 552679

The support of the NATURE CONSERVANCY COUNCIL is gratefuly acknowledged