Bloxworth Heath

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Bloxworth Heath

Grazing off the A35
Grazing off the A35 Credit: JThomas

Bloxworth Heath is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Dorset, England. Spanning over a vast area, the heath is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. It is situated near the village of Bloxworth, which lies about 8 miles north of the historic town of Wareham.

The heath is predominantly covered by dense woodland, featuring a variety of trees such as oak, beech, and birch. These towering trees provide shelter to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous species of birds. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, creating a stunning display of colors throughout the year.

Visitors to Bloxworth Heath can enjoy a number of walking trails that wind through the woodland, providing an opportunity to explore the area's natural wonders. The paths are well-maintained and are suitable for all levels of fitness, making it an ideal destination for both casual strollers and avid hikers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bloxworth Heath also holds historical significance. The area has a rich archaeological heritage, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Ancient burial mounds and earthworks can be found scattered throughout the heath, giving visitors a glimpse into the area's past.

Whether it is a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature, Bloxworth Heath offers a unique and captivating experience for all who visit.

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Bloxworth Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.73183/-2.163461 or Grid Reference SY8892. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grazing off the A35
Grazing off the A35
Gated drive to Snailsbreach Farm
Gated drive to Snailsbreach Farm
A35 towards Dorchester
A35 towards Dorchester
Grazing off the A35
Grazing off the A35
A35 towards Dorchester
A35 towards Dorchester
Path into woodland
Path into woodland
Minor road towards Bloxworth
Minor road towards Bloxworth
A35 towards Dorchester
A35 towards Dorchester
Old Milestone, North Trigon Carved stone post by the UC road, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck
 District), long straight opposite small pull-in; 1m back from road in scrub and small trees, on East-northeast side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Wareham (North, South & West Branches) Turnpike Trust in the 19th century.

Inscription reads:-
: WAREHAM / 3 : : BERE / 4 : 
Carved benchmark on bottom of right face. 

Milestone Society National ID: DO_WABE03
Old Milestone, North Trigon
Carved stone post by the UC road, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck District), long straight opposite small pull-in; 1m back from road in scrub and small trees, on East-northeast side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Wareham (North, South & West Branches) Turnpike Trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : WAREHAM / 3 : : BERE / 4 : Carved benchmark on bottom of right face. Milestone Society National ID: DO_WABE03
Old Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath, southwest of Stroud Bridge. On the boundary of Bere Regis and Wareham St Martin parishes.

Milestone Society National ID: DO_BERWSM01bm
Old Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath
Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath, southwest of Stroud Bridge. On the boundary of Bere Regis and Wareham St Martin parishes. Milestone Society National ID: DO_BERWSM01bm
Bloxworth milestone Standing right on the A35, this milestone measures Dorchester at 13 miles, Poole at 9.
Bloxworth milestone
Standing right on the A35, this milestone measures Dorchester at 13 miles, Poole at 9.
Road through Humber's Coppice south of Bloxworth
Road through Humber's Coppice south of Bloxworth
Junction for Bloxworth on A35
Junction for Bloxworth on A35
Nightjar eggs, Philliols Heath Whilst trying to get a better vantage point to photograph a buzzard, I was surprised by a nightjar erupting from the heather just in front of me. To my astonishment, there in the place where the bird had been, were two very well camouflaged eggs. I didn't want to disturb the bird any more than I had already done so but I just had to get a shot of the bird itself...
Nightjar eggs, Philliols Heath
Whilst trying to get a better vantage point to photograph a buzzard, I was surprised by a nightjar erupting from the heather just in front of me. To my astonishment, there in the place where the bird had been, were two very well camouflaged eggs. I didn't want to disturb the bird any more than I had already done so but I just had to get a shot of the bird itself...
Nightjar, Philliols Heath Having disturbed the bird on its eggs the previous day I returned the following day to try to get a pic of the bird itself. This time I stayed about 10 feet away. The bird was virtually invisible due to its camouflaged plumage; although it appears to be dozing with just a tiny slit of eye visible, this is simply a further attempt by the bird to become invisible; it is actually wide awake but hiding its very dark and very visible eyes.
Nightjar, Philliols Heath
Having disturbed the bird on its eggs the previous day I returned the following day to try to get a pic of the bird itself. This time I stayed about 10 feet away. The bird was virtually invisible due to its camouflaged plumage; although it appears to be dozing with just a tiny slit of eye visible, this is simply a further attempt by the bird to become invisible; it is actually wide awake but hiding its very dark and very visible eyes.
Pitcher plants, Philliols Heath My understanding is that these plants are sarracenia purpurea, the purple pitcher plant, an insectivorous plant native of North America. This pic shows three large groups but a wider angle would reveal closer to 50 of them. I know that many believe that as an alien species they should be removed and destroyed but whatever your belief, you can't deny their beauty and the fact that they're fascinating.
Pitcher plants, Philliols Heath
My understanding is that these plants are sarracenia purpurea, the purple pitcher plant, an insectivorous plant native of North America. This pic shows three large groups but a wider angle would reveal closer to 50 of them. I know that many believe that as an alien species they should be removed and destroyed but whatever your belief, you can't deny their beauty and the fact that they're fascinating.
Coldharbour, tourist park Birchwood Tourist Park, seen from the neighbouring Wareham Forest Way: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.birchwoodtouristpark.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.birchwoodtouristpark.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Coldharbour, tourist park
Birchwood Tourist Park, seen from the neighbouring Wareham Forest Way: LinkExternal link
Wareham Forest Way Route from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/396516/Wareham-Forest-Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/396516/Wareham-Forest-Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Wareham Forest Way
Route from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall: LinkExternal link
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Bloxworth Heath is located at Grid Ref: SY8892 (Lat: 50.73183, Lng: -2.163461)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///fruit.golden.blazed. Near Bere Regis, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.73183,-2.163461
Power: tower
Ref: 4VN 88
Source: GPS
Source Ref: survey
Lat/Long: 50.7277681/-2.1662868
Milestone
Source: GPS+GLONASS
Lat/Long: 50.730192/-2.166336
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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