Potterne Wood forms the northern most point of Moors Valley Country Park.
The wood, along with Bugdens Copse, is the last remaining patch of the once extensive forest of 'Fayre Wood' from which Verwood gets its name. The area now known as Potterne Wood can be seen on old tithe maps dating back to 1819, and was previously called 'Toads Cove Coppice'.
This old name provides a good indication of the wet woodland habitat and established coppice management which is still very much evident today. The present name of Potterne Wood was presumably given during the height of the Verwood pottery trade, when the local potters would have used coppice materials from the wood to fire the pottery kilns.
Potterne Wood has an excellent gravel surfaced footpath suitable for walkers, cyclists and disabled access, which connects with the footpaths leading through Moors Valley Country Park and Ringwood Forest, and to Potterne playing fields.
| Nearest Town | Verwood |
|---|---|
| Look out for | Potterne Wood contains a particularly high incidence of 'Dorset Notable' species - plants that are either rare or declining locally - such as Sweet Woodruff, Yellow Loosestrife and Marsh Valerian. The wettest areas of the wood are the most important ecologically, and are a haven for wildlife, undisturbed by visitors due to the boggy ground. |
| Habitats | Mixed woodland |
| Site designations | |
| Nearest bus stop | Lake Road or Manor Road (More Bus) |
| Nearest train station | Bournemouth (15 miles) |
| what3words | stores.prune.technical |
| Size | 13 hectares |
| Parking | Parking is available at Potterne Playing Fields |
| Accessibility | Level and well surfaced gravel tracks |
| Facilities | Benches around circular walk, dog bins at entrances |
| Owner | Dorset Council (previously East Dorset District Council) |
| Managed by | Moors Valley Country Park |
| How to get there: | Local residents can access Potterne Wood through a footpath from Hazelwood Drive, or through Potterne Playing Fields. You are also welcome to park at Moors Valley Country Park (car parking charges apply) and follow tarmac footpaths to Potterne Wood. |