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.