In the 18^th Century Poor Common was part of an un enclosed heathland common which stretched from Parley Common in the east to Colehill in the west (1^st edition, 1" Ordnance Survey, circa 1790) The name 'Poor Common' indicates that, at the time of enclosure sometime in the 19^th century, part or all of the site was left open as an area where the Poor of the Parish would have kept the right to collect fuel but not to graze stock.

Although the area was once predominately lowland heath there are now only fragmented small pockets of heathland remaining. The site now mostly consists of areas of dense Scots and Corsican Pine, mature Rhododendron, Birch and Willow scrub. The site is crossed by two footpath rights of way and a Bridleway runs from the far West corner accessed from Ringwood Road to the Southern most tip of the site onto Christchurch Road, there are further informal paths across the site which can be accessed from various points around its boundary

Owner: East Dorset District Council

Managed by: East Dorset Countryside Management Service

Grid reference: SZ 071 880

Nearest town: Ferndown

Size (Ha): 15 Ha

Nearest bus stop: Ringwood Road, Wilts and Dorset bus routes

Nearest train station: Poole (10 miles)

Habitats: remnant Lowland Heath and Dense Pine woodland.

Parking: Parking is available in the layby on Ringwood Rd, Ferndown (just past the Angel Pub)

Accessibility: Over 2km of well surfaced and level paths run throughout the site and all entrance points are kissing gates which can be assessed by large mobility vehicles

Facilities: dog bins at main entrances to site along Casterbridge Road

How to get there:

From Poole A35,From the Bear Cross roundabout carry straight onto towards Ferndown over the double roundabouts at Longham. Once on Ringwood Road look out for the layby on the right hand side where you can park.

From A31, Turn off of the A31 towards Ferndown, Carry on through the town centre towards Longham and Poole. The layby where parking is available is approx 100yrds on the left after the Angel Pub traffic lights.

Management plan:

The primary aspect of the future management of Poor Common will be the restoration of the Lowland Heath which the site was once wholly composed of. This is in line with current conservation best practice guidelines, Government policy and the original Adopted Development Brief associated with the development.

Due to the need to retain the inherent character of the site and also in part due to practical constraints the Lowland Heath restoration will be carried out over a period of years taking into account local conditions, landscape and character features and best practice guidelines.

As part of this restoration process, the extensive dense areas of Rhododendron that previously dominated a large proportion of the site have been cleared, and a new footpath now extends through those areas. This work has greatly improved the landscape, wildlife, and recreational value of the site, and similar works will be done in the future to prevent the further spread, and control existing blocks of Rhododendron.

If you would like to find out more about future management plans for Poor Common, please contact the Matt Reeks at Moors Valley Country Park on 01425 470721, or e-mail mreeks@eastdorset.gov.uk