Springdale Road and Upton Viewpoint
Springdale Road tree belt and Upton View Point are small areas of acid grassland and heath to the south of Corfe Mullen, forming part of the larger Upton Heath.
The 'tree belt' is a buffer zone between Wickham Drive and the heath and amenity areas off Springdale Road at the northern end of Upton Heath. Following the track south from Springdale Road car park leads to the viewpoint, a high point with views out across Upton Heath (managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust), Poole harbour and the Purbeck Hills. The magnificent views are unfortunately a little tainted by a landfill site immediately below the viewpoint! However this part of the landfill site is currently being restored.
The rest of Upton Heath is well worth a visit, as is the new Dorset Wildlife Trust Urban Wildlife Centre.
Nearest Town |
Corfe Mullen |
Look out for |
Dartford Warblers |
Habitats |
Acid grassland and heath |
Site designations |
Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest
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Nearest bus stop |
Springdale Road, Wilts and Dorset bus route |
Nearest train station |
Poole (5 miles) |
Grid reference |
SY984532 |
Size |
5.5 hectares |
Parking |
Springdale Road car park |
Accessibility |
Flat gravel paths with wide gates |
Facilities |
Dog bins at Springdale Road car park and at Corfe Lodge Road junction |
Owner |
East Dorset District Council |
Managed by |
Christchurch and East Dorset Countryside Team |
How to get there |
From Poole / the south, follow the B3074 (Higher Blandford Road) north towards Rushcombe Bottom. Turn right at the roundabout onto Springdale Road, then right again into the car park.
From Wimborne / the north, follow the A31 west from Wimborne, and turn left at the B3073 roundabout onto Wimborne Road, towards Corfe Mullen. Continue through Corfe Mullen on the Wareham Road and turn left at the roundabout into Springdale Road. The car park is then on your right.
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