Hamworthy Common

Hamworthy Common (or Ham Common) was declared a local nature reserve in 1992 and designated a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1987. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, protected heathland, lakes, and stunning coastline.

In the nature reserve, you’ll find Bell Heather, Gorse, and Common Heather, treating visitors to a landscape that changes colour with the seasons. You can also find fossil plants here, hinting at the history of the area dating back to 55 million years ago.

Over 200 species of birds having been recorded as visiting Ham Common. Look out for the Dartford Warbler perched up on the heather and gorse, listen for the eerie sounds of Nightjar as dusk descends, Oystercatchers probing for food along the shoreline, and Osprey fishing in the Wareham channel.

A variety of reptiles and insects can also be spotted, including Red Damselflies, the Keeled Skimmed Dragonfly, green Tiger Beetles and Small Copper Butterflies, as well as the seasonally vibrant sand lizard.

Artworks

To celebrate the amazing wildlife of Ham Common, four local artists were commissioned to create sculptures to sit along the paths in the reserve, chosen by local partners Birds of Poole Harbour. Spot a carved White-tailed eagle by Roger Coolbear, play I-spy with Brendon Murless’ Dartford Warbler, examine Dorset Forge & Fabrication’s upcycled Nightjar, and admire Les Lees’ inlayed Sand Lizard.

Conservation Efforts

As a Site of Special Scientific Interest and nature reserve, BCP Council and local partners work hard to protect the wildlife, fauna and flora of Ham Common. Please help in this effort by:

Keeping your dogs on a short lead when livestock is near and during the bird breeding season from 1 March to 31 July. At other times dogs must be under close control.

Leave no trace - pick up after yourselves and your dogs to protect the landscape and avoid harm to wildlife and livestock. Use the bins provided or take your waste home.

Keep to marked paths and established footpaths so that plants and animals have space to grow and flourish.

Do not light fires or barbeques in the nature reserve or beach area.

Thank you to our conservation partners for their continued efforts in looking after our local wildlife: Dorset Heaths Partnership, BARI – The Bird & Recreation Initiative. Find out more about our local Heathland.