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Main Instructor:

Chris Pole

Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

A flat walk around 5.5 miles. 

Starting from the Blueberry farm we will walk down Pompey's lane then take a loop around Ferndown Common going past a small lake. 

There was a zoo in the area from 1947 to 1954! It was opposite where M and S is now.

Among the animals were bears, silver foxes, monkeys, a gorilla and two lions, Ajax and Leonora. Ajax used to roar through the night which made the locals fearful he might escape. 

Walking down a country lane and over a road near Haskins we will arrive at Longham Lakes.

The route goes round part of the lakes (the smaller lake is for people to fish) and there is an abundance of birdlife to see. Feel free to bring binoculars. There is a toilet on one side.

I have seen otters here!

The lakes are naturalised man made lakes that form part of the fesh water supply. They are thirty feet deep.

It is often breezy here but supremely peaceful.

Crossing back the way we came, along a field then into Hampreston Woods (which are managed by the Erica Trust.) Returning along Pompey's lane to the Blueberry farm.

Option for coffee/cake after the walk. 

The flower field is open which is a short walk past the cafe and has seating. There are toilets near the cafe.

You will need paws on your poles for the lake walking as semi paved. The other paths vary, some are narrow. They are on heathland so sometimes sandy.

Various events around flowers are held here at the back of the cafe in the mornings.

There is also a plan for Neil Lucas from Knoll Gardens to give talks. He has won gold at Chelsea flower show several times. He specialises in ornamental grasses. 

Knoll gardens is next door and has plenty of parking. Free access to RHS members.

Yoga held in the flower field on Sunday mornings in Summer.

 (I will be checking with the blueberry farm a couple of weeks before that we can run this walk. It depends on their parking situation.)

Location Notes:

Limited numbers due to parking being restricted Cafe and toilets on site. Please park on the hard standing near the cafe. Savoury food served at lunchtime. In season you can book on line for "blueberry pick your own" Flower field a short walk away with seating. (CP)