A Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to diverse and rare wildlife.

Talbot Heath nature reserve is part of the Bourne Valley.

News and events are available on the Poole's heathlands Facebook page.

Entrance

There are entrances to Talbot Heath on Dalling Road, Winston Avenue, Mayford Road, Purchase Road, East Avenue and Branksome Hill Road. The nearest postcode is BH12 1QA.

Parking

There’s limited parking on the roads near the reserve.

Dogs

Dogs must be 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.

Habitat

Mostly lowland heathland with patches of mixed deciduous woodland.

Site designations

• Site of Special Scientific Interest
• Special Protection Area
• Special Area of Conservation with Ramsar status.

Look out for

Sand lizards, adders, ground-nesting birds, silver-studded blue butterflies, stonechats and a diverse range of insects and spiders.

You can also see a Bronze Age barrow on the heath.