One of the largest remaining areas of heathland in Dorset.

The 344 hectares of Canford Heath are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Careful management of the heath is needed to stop other plant life blocking out the heather on which the local wildlife relies.

Canford Heath has a real wilderness feel and you can easily spend two hours walking or cycling around its paths.

There are entrances to Canford Heath at Gravel Hill lay-by and on Culliford Crescent and Francis Avenue. The nearest postcode is BH21 3BW.

There is limited parking on roads near this reserve.

Dogs must be on a short lead when livestock is near and during the bird breeding season from 1 March to 31 July. At other times dogs must be under close control.

Broad-leaf woodland, dry and wet heath and valley mire and bog habitats for wildlife.

Dragonflies, damselflies, Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six species of British reptile.