Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve near Wareham in Dorset, England - June 2011

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Hartland Moor NNR
Hartland Moor NNR is a superb example of an extensive heathland site.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 243 Ha


The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare.
Hartland Moor NNR is adjacent to Stoborough Heath NNR.

Typical plants found on site are ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather, bog asphodel, white beak sedge, western gorse, and rarities such as Dorset heath, marsh gentian and bog orchid. Heathland insects include rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers, and the site supports birds such as Dartford warbler, hobby, meadow pipit, stonechat, nightjar and hen-harrier.

Location and access
Hartland Moor is on the south side of Poole Harbour, 4 km south east of Wareham.

By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A351. Local villages include Arne, Stoborough Green, Ridge and Norden. The nearest car parks are in Norden (3 km to the south), Arne and Ridge.

The nearest train station is in Wareham served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive service between Norden and Swanage (10 km to the south east) is provided by the Swanage Railway .

Local bus services connecting Wareham and Swanage pass near the reserve on the A351. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .

The NNR is listed as part of the Fieldfare Trust's Millennium Miles project as having disabled access via the Hartland Way, a 410 metre track that follows Scotland Road - the path of a disused tramline. The path is accessed via a gate opposite Middlebere Farm, or via a track off the Slepe Farm to Corfe Castle Road.

Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There is a birdwatching hide (which can be accessed via the Hartland Way) at the site, together with signs and a 800 metre nature trail. Leaflets providing visitor information are available.