Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Stour Valley Nature Reserve is a gorgeous location situated on the north-west edge of Bournemouth. The reserve consists of meadows, hedgrows, and woodland in a serene riverside setting.

There are grazing animals and other wildlife such as otters to keep a look out for as well as the magnificent Kingfisher which is a friendly face here. There is also a beautiful variety of flora including an arboretum filled with fascinating tree species.

Be careful if you plan to go in winter or the rainy season. The beginning section of the trail sucks you in with all its beauty....then as you get further down the river, wallop it becomes something of a boggy swamp. I tried so hard to muster through it, but the rain had been bad and the mud was up to my ankles. I had to detour and come off the trail. I bet it's a lot different and more enjoyable during the summer.