Dog trail-stop 1

Stop 1 - Wick Fields

Welcome to the Wick area of Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve. This path takes you along a potential ancient trackway following the river, linking the burial mounds at Hengistbury with those at Wick village.

As you walk along this path, think about how the area surrounding you once was a domestic refuse site (1953-1960s) and saved from golf course development in the 1980s. Now, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI ) for its importance to migratory and residentbirds, and the rich biodiversity which comes from wetland areas.

Therefore, when on your walk today, keep your eyes peeled for the following beautiful wildlife:

Red Foxes and Rabbits

The enclosed livestock fields provide a haven for these lovely mammals,an area for them to feed and raise their young with minimal disturbance.

Small White, Comma and Red Admiral Butterflies

Blooming hedgerows and meadows provide a natural source of nectar and habitats/food sources for these beautiful butterflies and their caterpillars.

Birds

Cuckoos can be heard towards the Wick village end of this path from Spring time, this is joined by the wonderful song of the Chiffchaff and explosion of song from the Cetti’s warbler. This walk has some amazing diverse hedgerows, giving home to elegant Hawthorn, Ribes, Cow Parsley with Common Reed towards the river. This wonderful walk is a great place to take your pups for their wildlife friendly walks!

Fun Fact

Cuckoos are a ‘brood parasite’ laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species (the nests of dunnocks,meadow pipits and reed warblers are favourites) leaving them to raise their young! They even match the colour and pattern of their hosts’ eggs, giving them the best chance to be raised to fledging, even when the chick is double the size of the host parent...

Please keep to the paths and respect the fences to give our livestock and wildlife safe, quiet places to thrive.

Find out more about bringing your dog to Hengistbury Head