AVON HEATH AUTUMN 2013
AVON HEATH
Avon Heath Country Park contains 600 acres of protected heathland, one of the rarest habitats in western Europe. Many of the animals found here are protected species and only found within this habitat. As a result, this heathland has SSSI (site of specific scientific interest) status. The country park is beautifully maintained by the Countryside Rangers.
Avon Heath Country Park is only a 20 minute drive from Bournemouth and is the largest country park in Dorset. There are miles of tracks and walks around the heath to explore and enjoy. The north park contains the Discovery Centre, which provides information on the park, events and family activity details and a gift shop for souvenirs. Attached to the Discovery Centre is the Nature Nursery, which provides childcare for children aged 2-5. The cafe is also located in this area and sells a good assortment of refreshments. The North Park also has toilet facilities and a large pay and display car park. The south park has views across to the coast and inland a panorama of North Dorset. The park has some beautiful scenery consisting of forest, heather and heathland. There are a number of waymarked trails that are well signposted and are up to 2 miles in length. The majority of the walking conditions are flat and buggy friendly due to being on hard ground with some gravel patches.