Upton Heath

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Coordinates: 50°45′00″N 2°01′19″W / 50.750°N 2.022°W / 50.750; -2.022
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For the United States federal judge, see Upton Scott Heath.

Typical countryside on Upton Heath

Upton Heath is one of the largest remaining fragments of a heath that once stretched across central southern England from Dorchester to Christchurch and beyond. It is now confined to an area immediately west of Upton and Poole, much of which is protected.[1] From the Heath there are views across Poole Harbour, Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck.[2]

Geography

Upton Heath is part of the

trig point at SY983956, which has extensive views to the south.[3]

Nature Reserve

Upton Heath looking towards Poole Harbour
Old sandpit on Upton Heath

Much of the area has been designated as the Upton Heath Nature Reserve and is largely managed by the

sand pits and clay pits reflect its historic use for the pottery and brick making industries.[5]

Fauna and flora

Of particular interest on the heath are its reptiles – all six native British reptile species are found in the dry areas of the heath: the

Dorset heath.[1][5]

Heath fires

In June 2011, one third of the heath was devastated by what one source described as the "worst fire at Upton Heath for 35 years".

Crimestoppers offered a reward.[7][8][9]

In the aftermath of the Upton Heath Fire, an organisation called Heathwatch was formed with local people volunteering to act as wardens.[10] Two men, wanted by police, were arrested as a result of the initiative.[11]

On 5 August 2022, a wildfire broke out on Upton Heath.[12] Investigators believe the fire was started deliberately.[13]

Access

There is a public car park just northeast of the trig point. Otherwise access is limited due to the difficult terrain. There are

public footpaths along the perimeter of the heath and one along the line of the dismantled railway in the south of the area.[3][5]

Trail leaflets describing walks on the heath are available from Dorset Wildlife Trust.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Upton Heath Guide Map". www.dorsetforyou.com. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  2. ^ "Upton Heath". wildlifetrusts.org. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  3. ^ a b Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger map series, No. 195
  4. ^ "Upton Heath Nature Reserve". www.natureofdorset.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  5. ^ a b c "Upton Heath Nature Reserve". www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  6. ^ "What's the future for Upton Heath?". www.wildlifenews.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  7. ^ "Upton Heath fire "destroyed eco-system". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  8. ^ "Upton Heath Devastated By Fire". www.purbeckgazette.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  9. ^ "Reward offered after Upton Heath blaze". www.dorset.police.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  10. ^ Upton Heathwatch launch at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013
  11. ^ Dorset Wildlife Trust – Heathwatch at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2013
  12. ^ "Fire breaks out at Upton Heath nature reserve in Dorset". BBC News. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Road closures and cattle evacuations as 'deliberate' wildfire hits heathland". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 5 August 2022.

50°45′00″N 2°01′19″W / 50.750°N 2.022°W / 50.750; -2.022

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