About the reserve

A charming pocket of old orchard - sit a while in the dappled shade of an apple tree and watch the insects buzz by. Why not bring a picnic and take a walk thrown the mown path?

Surrounded by thick hedgerow and occupying a peaceful spot on the edge of Broad Oak hamlet, this small, old orchard is looked after with the help of a local volunteer group.

At just 0.2 hectares, this peaceful and quiet spot is the perfect place to get away from it all, and it is just 1.5 miles south of Sturminster Newton.

Away from the paths the grass is left to grow long to allow plenty of flowers and seeds for the birds and insects that visit, with cutting once or twice a year to keep it from getting too dense. 

Top wildlife to spot on your visit include: Black poplar, oxeye daisy, corky-fruited water-dropwort, English elm, meadow brown.

The reserve has a small information hut, and there are several benches around the orchard making it the perfect spot for a picnic. If you would like to get involved in helping us look after this beautiful site, please contact the Mid Team wardens on info@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Useful Information

From Sturminster Newton, turn south off the A357, just east of the River Stour bridge/ traffic lights at The Bull pub onto a minor road. Follow through the hamlet of Broad Oak (1 mile), taking the second turning to the left along New Road. The orchard is on the left just before a sharp bend. By foot access from a number of public rights of way criss-crossing the surrounding countryside.