Poor Common is a 15 hectare site situated to South East of Ferndown.
In the 18th Century Poor Common was part of an un-enclosed heathland common which stretched from Parley Common in the east, to Colehill in the west (first edition, 1" Ordnance Survey, c1790).
The name 'Poor Common' indicates that, at the time of enclosure sometime in the 19th century, part or all of the site was left open as an area where the poor of the Parish would have kept the right to collect fuel but not to graze stock.
The site is crossed by several public footpaths and a bridleway which runs from the far West corner accessed from Ringwood Road, to the Southern most tip of the site onto Christchurch Road. There are further informal paths across the site which can be accessed from various points around its boundary. A large heathy glade is rich in insect and bird life.
| Nearest Town | Ferndown |
|---|---|
| Look out for | The site consists primarily of Scots and Corsican Pine, mature Rhododendron, Birch and Willow scrub. Look out for a variety of woodland birds and heathland insects. |
| Habitats | Remnant lowland heath and dense pine woodland |
| Site designations | |
| Nearest bus stop | Ringwood Road, Wilts and Dorset bus route |
| Nearest train station | Poole (10 miles) |
| Grid reference | SZ073986 |
| Size | 15 hectares |
| Parking | Parking is available in the lay-by on Ringwood Road, just past The Angel public house |
| Accessibility | Over two km of surfaced paths run throughout the site. Entrance points are kissing gates or open stiles. |
| Facilities | Dog bins at main entrances to site along Casterbridge Road |
| Owner | Dorset Council. (Previously East Dorset District Council) |
| Managed by | Dorset Council Countryside Team |
| How to get there |
From Poole A35, from the Bear Cross roundabout carry straight onto towards Ferndown over the double roundabouts at Longham. Once on Ringwood Road look out for the lay-by on the right hand side where you can park. From A31, turn off of the A31 towards Ferndown, carry on through the town centre towards Longham and Poole. The lay-by where parking is available is approx 100yrds on the left after the Angel Pub traffic lights. |