Events at Avon Heath Country Park
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
Birds of a Feather trail
From 18 July
Discover some of the amazing birds that live on the heath. Follow the trail and use the clue posters to answer the questions. Buy your trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3.50, any time between 10am and 4pm.
Discover some of the amazing birds that live on the heath. Follow the trail and use the clue posters to answer the questions. Buy your trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3.50, any time between 10am and 4pm.
Wildlife day
Saturday 12 September
10am to 3pm
Join us for a celebration of all things heathland. Meet our rangers and wildlife experts, who will be on hand to share fascinating insights into our rare heathland habitats and the incredible wildlife that calls them home.
Enjoy a great day out with fun and free activities for all the family including reptile encounters with Hilltop Herpetology, bug hunts, birdwatching, pond dipping, nature-themed crafts and wildlife talks. You can also get up close to magnificent birds of prey with The Falcons Crest display (small charge applies).
10am to 3pm
Join us for a celebration of all things heathland. Meet our rangers and wildlife experts, who will be on hand to share fascinating insights into our rare heathland habitats and the incredible wildlife that calls them home.
Enjoy a great day out with fun and free activities for all the family including reptile encounters with Hilltop Herpetology, bug hunts, birdwatching, pond dipping, nature-themed crafts and wildlife talks. You can also get up close to magnificent birds of prey with The Falcons Crest display (small charge applies).
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.
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 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 478 082
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 478 082
The Great Halloween Mystery Trail
Thursday 1 October to Sunday 1 November
The giant Halloween pumpkin has vanished and we need your help to crack the case.
You’ll become Agent Webbs, the newest recruit to the Cobweb Crew, following clues, collecting evidence and decoding a secret message hidden around the park.
Do you have what it takes to uncover the Great Halloween Mystery?
Suitable for ages 4-11 (younger detectives can team up with their grown-ups)
£3.50 per trail pack, which includes a prize
Trail packs available to buy from the Visitor Centre daily from 10am to 4pm
The giant Halloween pumpkin has vanished and we need your help to crack the case.
You’ll become Agent Webbs, the newest recruit to the Cobweb Crew, following clues, collecting evidence and decoding a secret message hidden around the park.
Do you have what it takes to uncover the Great Halloween Mystery?
Suitable for ages 4-11 (younger detectives can team up with their grown-ups)
£3.50 per trail pack, which includes a prize
Trail packs available to buy from the Visitor Centre daily from 10am to 4pm
Pressed Flower Jewellery workshop
Thursday 22 October
10am to midday
Discover the fun of working with UV resin to create jewellery, key rings or bag charms.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a keen crafter looking to learn a new skill, you'll be guided step-by-step to design and create your own beautiful resin jewellery pieces.
Learn how to:
All materials and equipment are provided, and you'll take home up to 2 unique handmade creations at the end of the session.
£30 per person. Age 16+ or 12+ with an adult.
Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
10am to midday
Discover the fun of working with UV resin to create jewellery, key rings or bag charms.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a keen crafter looking to learn a new skill, you'll be guided step-by-step to design and create your own beautiful resin jewellery pieces.
Learn how to:
- work safely with UV resin
- add dried flowers, tiny shells, glitter and other decorative inclusions
- create professional-looking pendants, earrings, and charms.
- cure and finish your designs for a polished result
All materials and equipment are provided, and you'll take home up to 2 unique handmade creations at the end of the session.
£30 per person. Age 16+ or 12+ with an adult.
Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Halloween archery
Sunday 25 October, Wednesday 28 October, Saturday 31 October, Sunday 1 November
10am to 4pm
Dare you enter our Halloween archery competition?
Join our week-long competition and compete for the top spot! The highest score across the week wins a prize. Take aim at our Halloween target archery and throwing angles challenge and see if you can hit the pumpkin. Get involved, test your skills, and climb the leader board. Will you be crowned the Halloween champion?
£7.50 per person
Meet at the Visitor Centre
10am to 4pm
Dare you enter our Halloween archery competition?
Join our week-long competition and compete for the top spot! The highest score across the week wins a prize. Take aim at our Halloween target archery and throwing angles challenge and see if you can hit the pumpkin. Get involved, test your skills, and climb the leader board. Will you be crowned the Halloween champion?
£7.50 per person
Meet at the Visitor Centre
Bat chat
Tuesday 27 October
Sessions at 11am and 12.30pm
Curious about the creatures that come out at night?
Join East Dorset Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation for a fascinating talk exploring the secret world of bats. Learn more about these remarkable mammals, discover why they're so important to our environment, and find out what to do if you ever come across a bat in need of help.
Younger visitors can also enjoy a bat-themed craft activity, making this an event for the whole family.
This is a free event, but booking is essential. Book online at or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Sessions at 11am and 12.30pm
Curious about the creatures that come out at night?
Join East Dorset Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation for a fascinating talk exploring the secret world of bats. Learn more about these remarkable mammals, discover why they're so important to our environment, and find out what to do if you ever come across a bat in need of help.
Younger visitors can also enjoy a bat-themed craft activity, making this an event for the whole family.
This is a free event, but booking is essential. Book online at or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Help the Hedgehogs
Wednesday 28 October
Sessions at 11am, midday and 1pm.
Meet Mitch and Pippa from Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne and discover simple ways you can make your garden and local area more hedgehog-friendly.
Then get creative at our craft table and make your very own hedgehog to take home!
This is a free event but booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Sessions at 11am, midday and 1pm.
Meet Mitch and Pippa from Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne and discover simple ways you can make your garden and local area more hedgehog-friendly.
Then get creative at our craft table and make your very own hedgehog to take home!
This is a free event but booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Meet the Reptiles
Friday 30 October
Drop in any time from 11am to 3pm
Join Kacey and Charlie from Hilltop Herpetology this half term and meet their amazing snakes and lizards. Learn fascinating facts, get up close to these incredible creatures, and discover what makes reptiles so unique.
Free to attend (donations welcome). No booking required.
Drop in any time from 11am to 3pm
Join Kacey and Charlie from Hilltop Herpetology this half term and meet their amazing snakes and lizards. Learn fascinating facts, get up close to these incredible creatures, and discover what makes reptiles so unique.
Free to attend (donations welcome). No booking required.
Birds of Prey Encounter
Friday 30 October
5pm to 7pm
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.
5pm to 7pm
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.
1, 2, 3... Create your own Bonsai Tree
Join Bonsai tree enthusiasts Barre and Peter to learn all you need to know about selecting, shaping, pruning and caring for your mini Scots Pine/Silver Birch trees harvested from the heath.
Session 1: Sunday 1 November 2026 from 1pm to 4:30pm.
Meet in the activity room for an introductory talk and slideshow before walking to the chosen location out on the heath to select some likely specimens.
Session 2: Sunday 28 February 2027 from 1pm to 4:30pm. Return to harvest and pot up your trees.
Session 3: Sunday 13 June 2027 from 1pm to 4:30pm. Return with your trees for further advice from our 2 enthusiasts.
You need to be able to commit to all 3 sessions to take part in this workshop.
£20 per session for 3 trees. This flat rate applies whether attending individually or as a group.
Booking essential. Call the Visitor Centre on 01425 478082
Session 1: Sunday 1 November 2026 from 1pm to 4:30pm.
Meet in the activity room for an introductory talk and slideshow before walking to the chosen location out on the heath to select some likely specimens.
Session 2: Sunday 28 February 2027 from 1pm to 4:30pm. Return to harvest and pot up your trees.
Session 3: Sunday 13 June 2027 from 1pm to 4:30pm. Return with your trees for further advice from our 2 enthusiasts.
You need to be able to commit to all 3 sessions to take part in this workshop.
£20 per session for 3 trees. This flat rate applies whether attending individually or as a group.
Booking essential. Call the Visitor Centre on 01425 478082
Wonders of the Night Sky
Saturday 7 November and Saturday 12 December
7pm to 8.30pm
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers in exploring the magical mysteries of the night sky through their telescopes and expertise. They 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 ages 6+
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£8 per person.
£20 per family.
Parking charges included in price.
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
7pm to 8.30pm
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers in exploring the magical mysteries of the night sky through their telescopes and expertise. They 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 ages 6+
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£8 per person.
£20 per family.
Parking charges included in price.
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Ring making workshop
Monday 9 November
10am to 1pm
£20 per family.
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn. A three hour workshop to learn the basics, from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing. Create your very own ring with a bezel set stone.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£60 including all materials
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
10am to 1pm
£20 per family.
Discover the wonderful world of silversmithing with experienced silversmith Jenn. A three hour workshop to learn the basics, from designing, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing with hammers and polishing. Create your very own ring with a bezel set stone.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£60 including all materials
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Willow Christmas tree workshop
Thursday 26 November
10am to 12:15pm
Make a beautiful willow Christmas tree that lasts well beyond the festive season. In this workshop you'll weave your own elegant obelisk structure standing up to 150cm tall, and make willow stars to decorate. You can decorate your tree at home with winter foliage and lights and enjoy either inside or outside. After the festive season it can be transformed into a practical plant support for sweet peas, beans, climbing flowers, or other garden favourites in spring. A wonderful way to celebrate the season while creating a sustainable, handcrafted piece for your garden to enjoy year after year.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
£42
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
10am to 12:15pm
Make a beautiful willow Christmas tree that lasts well beyond the festive season. In this workshop you'll weave your own elegant obelisk structure standing up to 150cm tall, and make willow stars to decorate. You can decorate your tree at home with winter foliage and lights and enjoy either inside or outside. After the festive season it can be transformed into a practical plant support for sweet peas, beans, climbing flowers, or other garden favourites in spring. A wonderful way to celebrate the season while creating a sustainable, handcrafted piece for your garden to enjoy year after year.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet in the Activity Room
£42
Booking essential. Book online (booking fee applies) or call the rangers on 01425 478082.
Pull-a-pine - Christmas conservation task
Saturday 28 November 2026
10:30am, midday and 1pm slots available.
£20 per family.
The perfect start to the festive season, come and help us remove invasive Scots pine trees at this family-friendly event and choose one, or more, to take home with you. Hot drinks, Christmas treats and plenty of festive cheer also provided.
Book online or call us at the Visitor Centre on 01425 478082.
10:30am, midday and 1pm slots available.
£20 per family.
The perfect start to the festive season, come and help us remove invasive Scots pine trees at this family-friendly event and choose one, or more, to take home with you. Hot drinks, Christmas treats and plenty of festive cheer also provided.
Book online or call us at the Visitor Centre on 01425 478082.
Earring making workshop
Friday 11 December
10am to 1pm
£20 per family.
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.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£60 including all materials
Book online or call us at the Visitor Centre on 01425 478082.
10am to 1pm
£20 per family.
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.
Suitable for 16+ year olds (12+ with accompanying adult)
Meet at the Visitor Centre
£60 including all materials
Book online or call us at the Visitor Centre on 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.