Visiting Information
| Site Name | Winfrith Heath |
|---|---|
| Facilities |
|
| Map Reference | SY805874 |
| Directions |
Take the A352 Wareham to Dorchester road and to the west of East Knighton there is a pub called the Red Lion, near Winfrith Newburgh. Almost opposite the Red Lion is a turning northwards. Turn up this road and follow it for about 1.2 miles and Winfrith heath is on your left. Park where you can along the roadside. CAUTION: this can be a very wet area of heath so do not take risks! |
WARNING: I have not been able to test all of these co-ordinates, they are based on where I placed the markers so use with care!
| Name | SatNav Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Roadside parking | 50° 41' 11.4576" N, 2° 16' 17.8968" W |
Any walk in the countryside is going to have its potential hazards but the primary aim of this function is to forewarn less able people of difficulties they may face although some may apply to other people as well.
| Hazard |
Comment |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock | Ponies are used to graze the reserve |
Grazing by cows, sheep or horses is an essential part of the management plan on many reserves. The livestock themselves are not a hazard but their dung can be unpleasant and very slippery if you are unfortunate enough to step in it! Soft ground on reserves where cows are grazed can become very pitted, uneven and muddy. Some people, of course, are very nervous about being close to livestock. It is essential that dogs are kept on leads near livestock (but then should always be on leads on nature reserves) and it is also essential that gates are closed after you. |
| Rough Ground | The paths are not suitable for anyone with mobility issues |
Nature reserves exist for the wildlife and plants that are found there and are not always visitor friendly, especially some smaller reserves. The ground on some reserves can be very rough going even when there are paths present and would not be passable by those who are less mobile. |
| Bog and Myre | There is a large and deceptively boggy area where care is needed |
Bog and myre on heaths can be lethal if you get stuck in them and often there is no help for miles around. On heathland it pays to keep to well made pathways and not to stray off into boggy areas. Never do this alone and always one person stay on firm ground. Helicopter rescues from such situations are not uncommon! |
The blue pin mark the approximate centre of the reserve, the yellow pin(s) mark the approximate locations of parking places that enable you to access the reserve.
