The Parish-owned area known as Spring Close sits to the south of St Mary's Church, and is a site of great interest, from both an archaeological and an environmental aspect. Purchased by the Parish Council in 1983, it contains the earthworks of a castle built in the mid-12th century. The ground used to be bare, but over the years trees and scrub have grown up, obscuring a lot of the mound. The grassland comprises of several different types of vegetation, from swards of grassland to chalky meadow.
The Spring itself emanates from the base of a Totterhoe Stone (known locally as 'Clunch'), whilst the spring bed is made from softer West Melbury Chalky Marl.
In 2019 the Parish Council formed the Spring Close Management Group, who developed a Vision Plan for the site. The Vision Plan gives far greater detail on all aspects of Spring Close (see below). The Management Group has been following the Maintenance Schedule within the plan and a suitable grass cutting regime to encourage more wild flowers to establish. They have also worked to keep ivy in check, and other such tasks to enhance the natural diversity and preservation of the site.
In 2020 the site was granted a County S.S.I. (Geology) status, which sits alongside the County Wildlife and County Historical Awards.
Spring Close is enjoyed by the local residents as a place of recreation and dog-walking. It is easy to walk across to Pauline's Swamp in one direction or Priory Wood in another, making for a very pleasant joined-up walk.
