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.

Quietly peek through the screens to spot reedbed birds. Dogs welcome - just keep them calm for the birdwatchers!

Gaze across the River Stour to Christchurch Priory. In summer, spot grazing cattle and maybe even elusive otters.

Fun fact: this area was once a thriving Iron Age port, trading with the Roman Empire.

Here you will see our rare-breed Shetland cattle and Cotswold sheep. Their grazing helps preserve wildflower meadows and supports biodiversity.

These hedgerows are buzzing with life - home to birds like yellowhammers, whitethroats, and blue tits, plus insects and small mammals.

Let your dog stretch their legs and reconnect with nature in this open meadow, surrounded by wildlife-rich hedgerows.

This former golf course is now a wildflower meadow and skylark stronghold. 

From April to July skylarks, lapwings, curlews nesting on the ground so it is vital you stick to paths and keep dogs on leads in sensitive areas.

This meadow is alive with pollinators, birds, and rare wildflowers. Long grasses sway in the breeze and provide cover for wildlife - and fun for dogs! Just make sure to check for ticks and grass seeds on your pet after exploring this area.

Walk the boardwalk (made from recycled Boscombe Pier timber) through shifting sand dunes - fragile habitats home to rare species.

These impressive earthworks were built over 2,000 years ago to defend one of Britain’s busiest Iron Age ports. The ditches and banks once stretched from sea to harbour.