Avon Heath Country Park

The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.

The park is dominated by lowland and wet heath, acid grassland and heather, which is broken only by clumps of birch and pine. Some of the rarer species to look out for are Sand Lizards and Smooth Snakes, Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Silver-studded Blue butterfly.

Nature Nursery

The Nature Nursery, housed in Avon Heath's Discovery Centre has been awarded Outstanding by OFSTED following their first inspection.

Opened in August 2012 the day nursery for 2 - 5 year olds "connects children to nature" both out in the country park, in over an acre of secure garden and within 2 custom built classrooms. Daily experiences may include den building, pond dipping, mini beast hunting, campfires, outdoor cooking, growing seeds and much more.

As well as the Nursery's dedicated staff, the children spend 4 hours a day with one of the park's rangers exploring the wonders of the natural world around them.

Wildlife Area

The wildlife area, which can be found behind the reptile vivarium next to the discovery centre, was opened at the end of summer 2013.  The viewing hide provides an opportunity to keep an eye on any activity around the new pond, bird feeders and bee hives. The area is becoming more established, there are also plans for the installation of an observation bee hive, a pond dipping platform and creation of a wild flower area. Cameras have been fitted at various sites in the wildlife area projecting images into the discovery centre.