Broadoak Orchard

Broadoak apple blossom 

James Cartwright / Broadoak apple blossom 

Broadoak Orchard © Stephen Oliver

Broadoak Orchard © Stephen Oliver

Broad Oak © Tony Bates MBE
A charming pocket of old orchard - sit a while in the dappled shade of an apple tree and watch the insects buzz by.

Location

Broad Oak (1.5 miles south of Sturminster Newton)
Sturminster Newton
Dorset
DT10 2HF

OS Map Reference

ST7903112305
A static map of Broadoak Orchard

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
z

Entry fee

N/A
P

Parking information

Limited roadside parking

Bicycle parking

No

Grazing animals

None

Walking trails

Circular loop of orchard. Links to several rights of way in the area (Banbury Hill, Piddles Wood, Sturminster Common).
Before you go, please read our reserve safety and visitor information
Please click here for more information and guidance about dogs on Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

Access

Mown paths lead you around the orchard from the entrance gate.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

See above for more information about dogs on nature reserves.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring, summer and autumn

About the reserve

A charming pocket of old orchard in a peaceful spot on the edge of Broad Oak hamlet and surrounded by thick hedgerows. Old varieties of English apple and plum trees are to be found in this community orchard - the perfect place to sit a while in the dappled shade of an apple tree and watch the insects buzz by. 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. There is an information hut, and benches making it the perfect spot for a picnic.

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, take the second left along New Road; the orchard is on the left just before a sharp bend.

Environmental designation

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)
Broad Oak Orchard Reserve Map

Broad Oak Orchard Reserve Map