Middlebere Heath

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Middlebere Heath

National Cycle Track This is where the track to Studland leaves the minor road that runs between Corfe and Arne. — National Cycle Track Credit: Nigel Mykura

Middlebere Heath is a picturesque area located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated on the outskirts of Wareham, it is encompassed by the breathtaking landscapes of the Dorset Downs and Moorland. Spanning approximately 200 hectares, Middlebere Heath is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The heathland is characterized by its wide expanses of open space, covered with heather, gorse, and bracken. This unique habitat supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, and silver-studded blue butterfly. The area is also home to a number of reptiles, including adders and common lizards.

Middlebere Heath offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its rolling hills and panoramic views make it an ideal spot for hiking and birdwatching. Numerous footpaths and trails crisscross the heath, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace.

In addition to its natural beauty, Middlebere Heath holds historical significance. The area was once used for military training during World War II, and remnants of this era can still be found, including ammunition storage bunkers and practice trenches.

Managed by the National Trust, Middlebere Heath is carefully preserved to maintain its unique ecosystem. The conservation efforts ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable heathland in Dorset.

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Middlebere Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.664823/-2.0660945 or Grid Reference SY9585. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

National Cycle Track

This is where the track to Studland leaves the minor road that runs between Corfe and Arne.

Nigel Mykura

New Mills Heath

Quite rough pasture land with few bushes or trees

Nigel Mykura

Bridleway on New Mills Heath

In between the road and the gate there is a narrow bridle path which does not appear to be used much but leads to New Line Farm

Nigel Mykura

Bank Gate Cottages

On Arne Road on the Arne peninsula

Graham Hogg

Minor road junction on the Arne Peninsula

Where Soldiers Road meets Arne Road

Graham Hogg

Wild horse on Soldierâs Road

A minor road crossing Slepe Heath

Graham Hogg

Halfway Inn

Public house and restaurant on the A531. Located approximately halfway between Wareham and Corfe Castle.

Graham Hogg

Old Milestone by the A351, south of Stoborough Green

Carved stone post by the A351, in parish of ARNE (PURBECK District), by bus stop and path to Blue Pool, opposite sign 'RVP No 5' at entrance to Hartland Nature reserve, on West side of road. Dorset 2 (limestone), erected by the Wareham (North, South & West Branches) turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- II MILES FROM WAREHAM Carved benchmark bottom centre of front face. Grade II Listed. List Entry Number:1120342 Link

Milestone Society National ID: DO_WASW02

Derek Tylden-Pattenson

Old Milestone by the A351, Norden Heath

Carved stone post by the A351, in parish of CORFE CASTLE (PURBECK District), 150m South of Cats Eye Cottage Camp Site, on grass verge beside road, on West side of road. Dorset 2 (limestone), erected by the Wareham (North, South & West Branches) turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- III MILES FROM WAREHAM Carved benchmark bottom centre of front face. Grade II Listed. List Entry Number:1278601 Link

Milestone Society National ID: DO_WASW03

Derek Tylden-Pattenson

Slepe Heath

A sunset across Slepe Heath

Chris Collard

Pond at Hartland Moor

Bob Ford

Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve

View looking east towards Middlebere Heath

John Smitten

Stoborough Heath NNR, Dorset

Stoborough Heath NNR (National Nature Reserve) is a heathland reserve adjacent to Hartland Moor NNR. The habitat is made up of dry heath, mire and acid grassland reverting to heath. The grassland was heath until the 1950s when it started to be used for agriculture. The area was declared a NNR in 1985 to reinstate the heathland. The photograph is taken from the eastern edge of the Reserve, looking towards Stoborough. Link

John Lamper

Hartland Moor NNR, Dorset

Hartland Moor NNR (National Nature Reserve) is a superb example of an extensive heathland site. The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare. Link

John Lamper

Hartland Moor NNR, Dorset

Hartland Moor NNR (National Nature Reserve) is on the left and the Purbeck Hills can be seen in the distance.

John Lamper

The Halfway Inn, Norden, Dorset

The inn is halfway between Wareham and Corfe Castle.

John Lamper

Slepe Moor

This field at the edge of Saltern's Copse lies next to marshland that, in turn, drains into Middlebere Lake which is one of the very shallow western arms of Poole Harbour.

David Squire