Dorset Walks

Wareham Forest

Directions: see map From the roundabout before Wareham take the A351 towards Poole Go over the railway bridge and turn right keeping on the A351 towards Poole Take the B3075 Morden Road at the next roundabout just before Sandford Drive north for about 2 miles until you see a pull-in on the right
From the car park we cross the road and walk parallel to the Sherford River into Wareham Forest. The trees near the river are mostly Alders and are one of the best places on Dorset to see the rare Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Great-spotted Woodpeckers are common here and we should be able to hear them 'drumming' - their version of a territorial song.	© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Great-spotted Woodpecker

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Crossbill

There is usually a good variety of finches here feeding on the Alder seeds, including Siskins, Redpolls and sometimes Crossbills.

From the car park we cross the road and walk parallel to the Sherford River into Wareham Forest. This area was all heathland 100 years ago and was the setting for many of Thomas Hardy's books, in particular 'The Return of the Native'. As the trees reach maturity and are felled the Forestry Commission is allowing the heathland to return. Woodlarks breed in the recently cleared areas and should be singing at this time of year. Dartford Warblers can be seen anywhere the Gorse has had time to develop.

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Wareham Forest

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