Dorset

Dorset

The English County of Dorset is located in the south west of England on the coast. The county town is Dorchester, and the largest town is Poole. Dorset borders Hampshire to the east, Wiltshire to the north east, and Somerset and Devon to the south.

Dorset has a variety of landscapes, from the chalk cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the heathland and oak woods of the Isle of Purbeck. The county is home to a number of notable landmarks, including Corfe Castle, Maiden Castle, Cerne Abbas Giant, and Lulworth Cove. There are also several National Nature Reserves in Dorset, such as Brownsea Island and Portland Bill.

Dorset is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Monkey World, Bournemouth Air Festival, and the Tank Museum. The county also has a number of beautiful beaches, including Bournemouth Beach, Weymouth Beach, and Studland Beach.

Dorset is well-known for its food and drink, with a number of traditional recipes originating from the county. These include Dorset apple cake, Dorset knob biscuits, and poached eggs in Dorset cream. The county also has its own beer, called Dorset Knob beer, which is brewed using local ingredients.

The County of Dorset is an attractive and popular place to live and visit, with a diverse range of landscapes and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside break or an action-packed adventure, Dorset has something to offer everyone.

Part or all of Dorset is in Dorset AONB, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Part or all of Dorset is in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Created: 10  September  2022  Edited: 29  November  2023

Dorset

Nature Reserves in Dorset

There are 47 nature reserves in Dorset.

Wildlife in and around Dorset

Dorset Mammals

There are 57 species of mammals recorded as found near Dorset.

(Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg.)
55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus)
Badger (Meles meles)
Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus)
Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
American Mink (Neovison vison)
Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus)
Black Rat (Rattus rattus)
Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)

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Dorset Birds

There are 334 species of birds recorded as found near Dorset.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
Black-Necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

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