Avon Heath Country Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Avon Heath Country Park
Woodland sculpture in Avon Heath Country Park
Location	St Leonards, Dorset UK
Nearest city	Bournemouth
Operated by	Dorset County Council
Open	8 am - 6:30 pm or dusk daily
Awards	Green Flag

Avon Heath Country Park is a fantastic place to explore nature. It's located in St Leonards, Dorset, about 10 miles north of Bournemouth in the UK. This park has even won a special award called the Green Flag. This award shows that it's a well-managed and welcoming green space for everyone to enjoy.

Discover Avon Heath Country Park

Avon Heath Country Park is a large area of natural beauty. It's a great spot for families and young people to spend time outdoors. The park is carefully looked after by Dorset County Council.

What Makes Avon Heath Special?

The park is mostly covered by different types of land. You'll find huge areas of lowland and wetland heath. Heathland is a special type of open land with small shrubs like heather. It's a very important habitat for many plants and animals.

There are also wide open grasslands. These are perfect for picnics or just running around. You'll also see beautiful pine and birch woodlands. These forests add to the park's amazing scenery.

Amazing Wildlife

Avon Heath Country Park is home to some truly special creatures. Many of these animals are rare and important on a global scale. It's a protected area where these species can thrive.

Keep an eye out for these unique residents:

• The sand lizard: This reptile loves the warm, sandy heathland.
• The smooth snake: This shy snake is very rare in the UK.
• The Dartford warbler: This small bird makes its home in the heather.
• The woodlark: You might hear its beautiful song echoing through the trees.
• The silver-studded blue butterfly: This tiny, colourful butterfly is a real treat to spot.

Fun Things to Do

Avon Heath Country Park has lots of facilities to make your visit enjoyable. There's something for everyone to do.

You can find:

• A discovery centre: Learn more about the park's nature and history.
• A café: Grab a snack or a drink, open every day.
• Picnic areas: Perfect spots to enjoy your packed lunch.
• A children's adventure playground: A great place for younger visitors to play.
• Barbecues: You can even hire a barbecue area for a fun outdoor meal.