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Main Instructor:

Chris Pole

Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

From Ferndown forest car park we can get to Whitesheet through Uddens woods or along a lane which

takes us onto a trail leading through woodland at the side of the heath.

Following sandy trails over the heath we walk up to White sheet plantation before returning on a

different loop in Uddens woods.

The heath is one of the largest remaining areas of lowland heathland. Bird life includes Dartford warbler,

stonechat and nightjar. It is the only heath in Dorset where curlews breed.

Views extend to the IOW and Bournemouth. Lots of flat walking with some inclines.

Meet in the golf club carpark near the hedge. Huge pylon nearby. Paws needed for poles on road

section.

Optional refreshments after at the golf club. Toilets in main building.

The walk is 6.5 miles and up to 2.5 hours long.

(In winter months the route can get muddy/wet and is adapted for the conditions underfoot.)

There is an interesting initiative by Forestry England to restore mire habitat on Whitesheet as part of the

Dorset Peat Partnership Project. This is being funded by Natural England. There is further work going on

locally which we will see on other walks. 

Uddens Woods are interesting seasonally with the changing colours of the trees. There is an Uddens

work party who are invovled in clearance work along with assisting Forestry England. The members are

volunteers and what they do really helps keep the area open for us to enjoy.

Location Notes:

Loads of Parking spaces - free parking. Meet near to the pylon. What3words location name: spider.banks.defend