Stoborough Heath National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The Stoborough Heath NNR is famous for its spectacular mosaic of open heathland and bogs, which support some of England’s rarest wildlife. Dragonflies dart across the heath where hardy ponies graze, and you can follow part of an old mineral tramway to enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, including Poole Harbour and the ruins of Corfe Castle. In the spring and summer stonechats sing from gorse bushes and woodlarks perform their aerobatic display. Look out too for the distinctive Dartford warbler, as well as more common birds such as meadow pipit and skylark. The nocturnal nightjar is a summer visitor which spends the day roosting in the heather before coming out at dusk to hunt insects on the wing. In the winter, visiting birds of prey include merlin and hen harrier. Stoborough Heath also includes Sunnyside Farm, which is home to rare plants including marsh orchid, smooth cat’s ear and brown-beak sedge.

Location

Ridge

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.