Events at Avon Heath Country Park
Pull-a-pine conservation task
Sunday 30 November
10:30am, midday or 1pm slots
Take part in this popular family-friendly event and help protect our heathland by removing and burning invasive Scots pine.
These small trees, if left unmanaged, can overwhelm the habitat and prevent native species like gorse and heath from thriving, vital plants for our rare heathland wildlife. As a thank you for your hard work, we invite you to take home a pine tree of your choice for Christmas.
Hot and cold drinks and mince pies will be served along with plenty of festive cheer.
£15 per family.
Booking essential on 01425 478082.
10:30am, midday or 1pm slots
Take part in this popular family-friendly event and help protect our heathland by removing and burning invasive Scots pine.
These small trees, if left unmanaged, can overwhelm the habitat and prevent native species like gorse and heath from thriving, vital plants for our rare heathland wildlife. As a thank you for your hard work, we invite you to take home a pine tree of your choice for Christmas.
Hot and cold drinks and mince pies will be served along with plenty of festive cheer.
£15 per family.
Booking essential on 01425 478082.
Christmas reindeer hunt
Friday 5 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026
This Christmas, the reindeer are on the loose - can you find them all?
Join our free festive activity and see how many reindeer pictures you can spot around Avon Heath. They're hiding all over the park so keep your eyes peeled!
Pop into the Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm to let the rangers know how many you found.
This Christmas, the reindeer are on the loose - can you find them all?
Join our free festive activity and see how many reindeer pictures you can spot around Avon Heath. They're hiding all over the park so keep your eyes peeled!
Pop into the Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm to let the rangers know how many you found.
Wonders of the night sky
Saturday 14 March
7pm to 9pm
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers in exploring the magical mysteries of the night sky through their telescopes and expertise.
Local experts will explain how to use telescopes to recognise the planets and stars that adorn our skies. In the event of poor weather, we will be treated to an interactive talk instead.
Suitable for 6+ year olds
£7.50 per person (parking charges included in price)
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
7pm to 9pm
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers in exploring the magical mysteries of the night sky through their telescopes and expertise.
Local experts will explain how to use telescopes to recognise the planets and stars that adorn our skies. In the event of poor weather, we will be treated to an interactive talk instead.
Suitable for 6+ year olds
£7.50 per person (parking charges included in price)
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Easter Hunt
Saturday 21 March to Sunday 12 April
Ready to go on an egg‑citing adventure?
The wait is almost over. Our family‑friendly Easter Hunt is coming to Avon Heath.
Help Rosie the rabbit uncover who laid the golden egg. Hunt for the hidden eggs and solve the riddles in the activity sheet. Hop on over and join the fun!
Pick up your activity pack from the Visitor Centre (between 10am and 4pm) to uncover the riddles.
£3.50 per activity pack
Ready to go on an egg‑citing adventure?
The wait is almost over. Our family‑friendly Easter Hunt is coming to Avon Heath.
Help Rosie the rabbit uncover who laid the golden egg. Hunt for the hidden eggs and solve the riddles in the activity sheet. Hop on over and join the fun!
Pick up your activity pack from the Visitor Centre (between 10am and 4pm) to uncover the riddles.
£3.50 per activity pack
Archery lessons
Every Sunday from 12 April
10am to 3pm (last session 2.30pm)
Have you ever wanted to unleash your inner Robin Hood or Maid Marion? Join Craig from Surviving Wild Bushcraft who will teach you the basics of archery. Come back every week to learn more and improve your aim. Kids and adults welcome. Weather dependent. Call on the day to check event is going ahead.
Meet on the Green
£7.50 per 30-minute session
10am to 3pm (last session 2.30pm)
Have you ever wanted to unleash your inner Robin Hood or Maid Marion? Join Craig from Surviving Wild Bushcraft who will teach you the basics of archery. Come back every week to learn more and improve your aim. Kids and adults welcome. Weather dependent. Call on the day to check event is going ahead.
Meet on the Green
£7.50 per 30-minute session
Beautiful Butterflies Trail
From 23 May
Beautiful butterflies and marvellous moths are amazing insects. Find out more about these precious creatures on our trail.
Use the code to find the missing words and count the caterpillars along the way.
Buy your trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3.50 between 10am and 4pm.
Beautiful butterflies and marvellous moths are amazing insects. Find out more about these precious creatures on our trail.
Use the code to find the missing words and count the caterpillars along the way.
Buy your trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3.50 between 10am and 4pm.
Candle making using repurposed containers
Thursday 16 April
10am to 12pm
Discover the art of sustainable candle making in this creative, eco-friendly workshop. Jo from Bella and Barley will help you transform pre-loved vessels into beautiful, unique candles. Whether it's a vintage teacup, an old jam jar or an empty coconut shell, you'll learn how to transform it into a natural soy wax candle using essential oils.
You’ll learn a variety of techniques and leave with 4–5 unique candles to enjoy or gift. Perfect for beginners, this workshop is a wonderful way to upcycle while creating something practical and stylish. Feel free to bring your own small container to give it a new life.
Age: suitable for 16+, or 12+ accompanied by an adult
Meet in the activity room
£35
SOLD OUT.
10am to 12pm
Discover the art of sustainable candle making in this creative, eco-friendly workshop. Jo from Bella and Barley will help you transform pre-loved vessels into beautiful, unique candles. Whether it's a vintage teacup, an old jam jar or an empty coconut shell, you'll learn how to transform it into a natural soy wax candle using essential oils.
You’ll learn a variety of techniques and leave with 4–5 unique candles to enjoy or gift. Perfect for beginners, this workshop is a wonderful way to upcycle while creating something practical and stylish. Feel free to bring your own small container to give it a new life.
Age: suitable for 16+, or 12+ accompanied by an adult
Meet in the activity room
£35
SOLD OUT.
Silversmith workshop
Wednesday 6 May
10am to 1pm
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn. A 3-hour workshop to learn the basics - from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing - and create your very own set of 3 hammered stacker rings.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
£50 including all materials
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
10am to 1pm
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn. A 3-hour workshop to learn the basics - from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing - and create your very own set of 3 hammered stacker rings.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
£50 including all materials
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Macrame workshop
Thursday 21 May
10am to 11.30am
Learn the art of macramé with ease. Join Jo from Bella and Barley in this hands-on session where you’ll master a few simple knots and create your very own stylish dog lead - or a chic belt if you prefer - in a colour of your choice.
Perfect for beginners and a fun challenge for those with experience.
Walk away with a unique accessory and be the envy of every dog walker at Avon Heath.
Age: suitable for 16+, or 12+ accompanied by an adult
Meet in the activity room
£25
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
10am to 11.30am
Learn the art of macramé with ease. Join Jo from Bella and Barley in this hands-on session where you’ll master a few simple knots and create your very own stylish dog lead - or a chic belt if you prefer - in a colour of your choice.
Perfect for beginners and a fun challenge for those with experience.
Walk away with a unique accessory and be the envy of every dog walker at Avon Heath.
Age: suitable for 16+, or 12+ accompanied by an adult
Meet in the activity room
£25
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Archery and throwing angels
Wednesday 27 May
10am to 3pm
Come and try your hand at archery or throwing angels at these drop-in sessions. These great outdoor activities offer the perfect blend of fun, focus and friendly competition.
Expert trainer Craig from Surviving Wild Bushcraft will show you the best techniques to help everyone hit the target.
Suitable for 6+year olds
Weather dependent (call on the day to check event is going ahead)
Meet on the Green
£7.50 per person for a 30-minute session (with others)
No need to book
10am to 3pm
Come and try your hand at archery or throwing angels at these drop-in sessions. These great outdoor activities offer the perfect blend of fun, focus and friendly competition.
Expert trainer Craig from Surviving Wild Bushcraft will show you the best techniques to help everyone hit the target.
Suitable for 6+year olds
Weather dependent (call on the day to check event is going ahead)
Meet on the Green
£7.50 per person for a 30-minute session (with others)
No need to book
Grass head making
Thursday 28 May
11am to 3pm (sessions throughout the day)
Make your very own grass head. They're fun, cheerful, and guaranteed to make you smile every day!
Get creative as you design and decorate your grass head, then take it home, pop it on a sunny windowsill, and watch its grassy hair grow longer and wilder day by day.
Meet in the Activity Room
£5 per grass head
No booking required. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.
11am to 3pm (sessions throughout the day)
Make your very own grass head. They're fun, cheerful, and guaranteed to make you smile every day!
Get creative as you design and decorate your grass head, then take it home, pop it on a sunny windowsill, and watch its grassy hair grow longer and wilder day by day.
Meet in the Activity Room
£5 per grass head
No booking required. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.
Watercolour Painting Workshop
Thursday 11 June
10am to 12:30pm
A watercolour workshop for adults with local artist Julie Redwood. Join this small group workshop for a relaxing morning of watercolour painting. Julie will provide you with all the expertise needed to create beautiful spring themed paintings to take home. All materials and equipment provided.
Meet in the Activity Room
£30 per person
To book, phone 01425 478082 or pop into the Visitor Centre.
10am to 12:30pm
A watercolour workshop for adults with local artist Julie Redwood. Join this small group workshop for a relaxing morning of watercolour painting. Julie will provide you with all the expertise needed to create beautiful spring themed paintings to take home. All materials and equipment provided.
Meet in the Activity Room
£30 per person
To book, phone 01425 478082 or pop into the Visitor Centre.
1, 2, 3... Create your own Bonsai Tree
Try your hand at this ancient Japanese art form using Avon Heath's mini Scots pines. Join Bonsai enthusiasts Barre and Peter for this 3-session workshop. Learn all you need to know including choosing, pruning and caring for your tree.
Session 3: Sunday 14 June, 1pm to 4:30pm
Return with your trees for more advice on caring for, pruning and shaping your Yamadori Bonsai mini Scots pines.
£20 per person or per couple or per family group (for 3 trees)
Meet in the activity room.
Phone 01425 478082 to book your place.
Session 3: Sunday 14 June, 1pm to 4:30pm
Return with your trees for more advice on caring for, pruning and shaping your Yamadori Bonsai mini Scots pines.
£20 per person or per couple or per family group (for 3 trees)
Meet in the activity room.
Phone 01425 478082 to book your place.
Earring making Workshop
Monday 15 June
10am to 1pm
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn.
A 3-hour workshop to learn the basics: from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing — and create a beautiful pair of earrings.
£50 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
10am to 1pm
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn.
A 3-hour workshop to learn the basics: from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing — and create a beautiful pair of earrings.
£50 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Willow Bulrush Workshop
Thursday 18 June
10am to midday
Learn the art of willow weaving in this relaxing, hands-on workshop with Bella and Barley Craft. During this session, you will learn basic willow weaving techniques and create up to five gorgeous bulrishes, choosing the height you want. They will look lovely in the garden amongst plants, or indoors in a vase. Perfect for beginners and fun for those with experience.
£29 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
10am to midday
Learn the art of willow weaving in this relaxing, hands-on workshop with Bella and Barley Craft. During this session, you will learn basic willow weaving techniques and create up to five gorgeous bulrishes, choosing the height you want. They will look lovely in the garden amongst plants, or indoors in a vase. Perfect for beginners and fun for those with experience.
£29 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Creatures of the Night Walk
Friday 19 June
Saturday 27 June
8:45pm to 10:30pm (approx.)
As darkness falls across the heath, join the rangers and our bat experts on this enchanting evening meander.
Come for a guided walk to discover mysterious animals as they begin to stir, including bats, glow worms and nightjar. Experts on hand to point out the creatures we find along the way. Don't forget to bring a torch.
Meet outside the Visitor Centre
£8 per person (parking charge included with ticket)
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Saturday 27 June
8:45pm to 10:30pm (approx.)
As darkness falls across the heath, join the rangers and our bat experts on this enchanting evening meander.
Come for a guided walk to discover mysterious animals as they begin to stir, including bats, glow worms and nightjar. Experts on hand to point out the creatures we find along the way. Don't forget to bring a torch.
Meet outside the Visitor Centre
£8 per person (parking charge included with ticket)
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Willow Hare Workshop
Thursday 16 July
10am to midday
Come and create up to 3 beautiful willow hares with Bella and Barley Craft. Have fun and learn some simple weaving techniques. Your hares will look beautiful on the wall, amongst your plants or even as a mobile. Perfect for beginners and fun for those with experience.
£29 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
10am to midday
Come and create up to 3 beautiful willow hares with Bella and Barley Craft. Have fun and learn some simple weaving techniques. Your hares will look beautiful on the wall, amongst your plants or even as a mobile. Perfect for beginners and fun for those with experience.
£29 including all materials
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082
Evening Owl Encounters
Thursday 16 July
Thursday 27 August
6pm to 8pm
Join Falcons Crest for an enchanting evening of owl encounters. Meet four magnificent owls up close and discover their fascinating behaviours. Take a look at owl pellets and see what's been on the menu (yum yum!) Test your knowledge with quizzes and crosswords. A hoot of a night awaits - don't miss it!
Meet in the Activity Room
£10 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Thursday 27 August
6pm to 8pm
Join Falcons Crest for an enchanting evening of owl encounters. Meet four magnificent owls up close and discover their fascinating behaviours. Take a look at owl pellets and see what's been on the menu (yum yum!) Test your knowledge with quizzes and crosswords. A hoot of a night awaits - don't miss it!
Meet in the Activity Room
£10 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Bird of Prey Encounters
Friday 17 July
Friday 28 August
6pm to 8pm
Experience raptors up close in this unforgettable indoor encounter. Join Bobbie from Falcons Crest for an exciting opportunity to meet magnificent birds of prey in a relaxed, intimate setting. Get closer than ever to a Harris Hawk, buzzard, and kestrel. Learn fascinating facts, and witness their beauty, power and grace right there in the room. An inspiring evening for nature lovers
Suitable for 8+ year olds with an adult
Meet in the Activity Room
£10 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Friday 28 August
6pm to 8pm
Experience raptors up close in this unforgettable indoor encounter. Join Bobbie from Falcons Crest for an exciting opportunity to meet magnificent birds of prey in a relaxed, intimate setting. Get closer than ever to a Harris Hawk, buzzard, and kestrel. Learn fascinating facts, and witness their beauty, power and grace right there in the room. An inspiring evening for nature lovers
Suitable for 8+ year olds with an adult
Meet in the Activity Room
£10 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Meet the Raptors
Every Friday during the summer holidays from 24 July to 28 August
10am to 3pm
The Falcons Crest birds and experts are back for the summer! Come and meet the raptors and learn about these beautiful birds from their expert handlers. You will have the chance to hold one of these amazing creatures. Small charge per person for this activity. No booking required.
Meet on the Green
£4 per person to handle one bird
10am to 3pm
The Falcons Crest birds and experts are back for the summer! Come and meet the raptors and learn about these beautiful birds from their expert handlers. You will have the chance to hold one of these amazing creatures. Small charge per person for this activity. No booking required.
Meet on the Green
£4 per person to handle one bird
Bat Discovery Walks
Saturday 1 August at 8.15pm
Saturday 15 August at 8pm
A chance to discover more about the bats that live at Avon Heath. Find out about the fascinating lives of these nocturnal creatures and how the bats are being studied. Includes a walk across the heath to detect bats as they forage in the night.
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£8 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Saturday 15 August at 8pm
A chance to discover more about the bats that live at Avon Heath. Find out about the fascinating lives of these nocturnal creatures and how the bats are being studied. Includes a walk across the heath to detect bats as they forage in the night.
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£8 per person
Book online (booking fee applies) or call 01425 478082.
Health Walks
Our Health Walks are on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3pm, leaving from the Visitor Centre. Led by our team of friendly volunteers they are a chance to walk with a group and perhaps make some new friends.
Special offer for any new Health Walker - get free parking for your first three weeks. And of course, the walks are also free.
You must register for the walk and complete our health questionnaire before you attend. We recommend arriving a few minutes before to check in with the walk leader. Find out more about Dorset Health Walks.
Special offer for any new Health Walker - get free parking for your first three weeks. And of course, the walks are also free.
You must register for the walk and complete our health questionnaire before you attend. We recommend arriving a few minutes before to check in with the walk leader. Find out more about Dorset Health Walks.