Purewell Meadows
A series of wet meadows within the River Avon floodplain.
Purewell Meadows is a 14ha nature reserve comprising 4ha of public space and a 10ha Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with no public access.
Within the SSSI is a complex system of fields and ditches, which presents a range of plant habitats, including wet acidic grassland over peat and more neutral damp grassland. Both are integral components of the meadows of the Avon Valley.
Wet meadows, such as Purewell, are fast disappearing in lowland Britain. The meadows are dominated by grasses and sedges but also contain several flowering plants, including ragged robin, green-winged orchid and devil's-bit scabious.
Getting there
Nearest town
Christchurch
Grid reference
SZ 167 932
Nearest postcode
BH23 3AB
Nearest train station
Christchurch
Nearest bus stop
Purewell Cross Road near the medical centre and Normandy Drive.
Parking
There’s on-road parking in Burton Road or Scotts Hill Lane, limited to two hours.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed but must be under close control.
Accessibility
Generally flat ground with gravel paths, although the site is low lying and can get very wet after rain.
Habitat
Wet acidic grassland over peat, damp grassland and public green space.
Site designations
Site of Special Scientific Interest (not open to the public).
Local Nature Reserve.
Look out for
Kestrels, marbled white butterfly, devil's bit Scabious, marsh marigold, heath spotted orchid, Mother Shipton moth and palmate newts.
What to do
There’s a pleasant meadow walk on the public open space of the reserve.