Avon Heath Country Park, Dorset
Avon Heath is within walking distance of Summerbreeze Orchard Holiday Cottages and saves on car parking. At the end of Wayside Road, turn right onto Boundary Lane, walk half a mile up the road, past Foxbury Road continuing along Boundary Lane. At the top of the hill, as the road bends, there is a turning on the left leading into Avon Heath. If you do drive, it’s just off the A31 but you’ll have to pay for the car parking.
Avon Heath is a protected heathland and a site of special scientific interest. The residents include a record number of Silver Studded Blue Butterflies, and numerous nesting sites for heathland birds like Woodlark, Nightjar and Dartford Warbler. The cattle are used as a conservation tool keeping the bracken down and the friendly rangers are passionate about the heathland species living here. The Country Park is great for families, run by Dorset County Council and managed by Dorset Countryside there are several miles of tracks, heathland, and plenty of wildlife. A combination of lowland and wet heath, grassland and heather, birch and pine trees. There is a Heathland Discovery visitor centre, sand lizard enclosure, bird viewing pond area, a café open seven days a week, a private BBQ area you can hire if you have a birthday party or celebration, lots of picnic benches and an excellent playground with a zip line, climbing wall, sand pit, tree house, and more.
The trails are great for dog walking, although, it’s important to take any dog poo away with you, or use the bins provided to protect the heathland. At the end of the walk, near the visitor centre is a handy ‘dog wash’.
There is also talks available, like the 2-hour evening Nature Walk, led by the park rangers, and wildlife specialists, taking you out for a lovely walk around the heathland and woods. They carry bat detectors, so you can both see and hear the bats flying, and is excellent for all ages.
Moors Valley is still my favourite but Avon Heath is a close second.
Check Out: Moors Valley Country Park Hurn Forest
About Us – Explore the tranquil beauty of the New Forest with Summerbreeze Orchard’s Holiday cottages with its exquisite range of luxury holiday accommodation nestled in the heart of the greenbelt countryside near Bournemouth and the New Forest. These charming cottages offer a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and a deeper connection with nature. Surrounded by the serene New Forest landscapes and atmosphere of Bournemouth coupled with the golden sandy beaches. Guests can enjoy spacious living rooms with vaulted ceilings, luxury shower rooms, well equipped kitchen, cosy bedrooms, all adorned with elegant décor. The cottages sit on 3 acres with communal patio areas where guests can relax and take in the air. The director of Summerbreeze Orchard comments “We are thrilled to offer our guests a serene getaway in one of England’s most beautiful regions. Our Holiday Cottages in the New Forest provide an unparalleled experience of peace and relaxation, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature in a truly special way.
