Walks and open spaces

RIVERSIDE WALK . . . .

Entrance to Farm Road parkland

As you approach and enter through the gate there is a sign for the walk. Follow the sign. To your left there is a woodland, Pennington Copse, a local nature reserve looked after by Dorset Council Countryside Management Team. There is a diversity of wildlife to be found here from deer to the occasional adder and many bird species. On a clear day you may hear an eerie cry, look skyward and perhaps espy two or more buzzards soaring, or if around dusk, perhaps a Tawny owl will be the culprit!

This image shows that even in winter, Riverside Walk ( and other similar local pathways ) can be very attractive after a light fall of snow: here [March 2018] the heat retained by the gravel path has melted the snow allowing easy access. Even after a heavier fall of snow, some shelter by the trees can reduce the amount of accumulated snow along the path.

Riverside Walk after snow

CASTLEMAN TRAILWAY . . . .

The Castleman Trailway very roughly follows the line of the old Southampton & Dorchester Railway that used to pass through the village. Within the village itself though, the route is greatly displaced from the old railway due to building development. It is a pleasant way to enjoy a short walk, a more strenuous tramp or a long bicycle ride: in damp/wet weather though - wear some stout footwear!

The site linked above to the Dorset Council web site gives some more information and links to appropriate maps.

Castleman Trailway - near Fuel Depot

WEST MOORS FORESTRY PLANTATION . . . .

Plantation entrance off Moorlands Rise

The 'Plantation', dating from the 1940s, covers an area of approximately 360 acres [ circa 145 hectares ] in one large and two smaller parcels, all lying along the north-eastern 'flank' of the residential area of West Moors. It is owned and maintained by the Forestry Commission - but the largest section is easily accessible to residents of the village.
[ LOCATION MAP ]    

Historically, this woodland has been dominated by pine and other coniferous species, but it is intended to transform the Plantation by allowing mixed woodland to develop and to increase the open areas slightly, with a return in some places to the original heathland that would have existed prior to the 1940s plantings.

The woods are already well-used by residents for recreational walking, cycling, riding etc., and it is hoped to enhance the facilities in the years to come.

WOOLSLOPE COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA . . . .

The intention is to manage the several former fields, copses etc., as a fully-accessible recreation area and to this end, in 2013, a network of well-surfaced, 'all-weather' paths was laid out for all to use. Access the area from Canterbury Close & Woolslope Close ( both off Woolslope Road ), from alongside the bridge over the Uddens on lower Station Road ( on the parish boundary ) and adjacent to the A31 underpass, a little way west of the Priory Road junction.

Pathway on Woolslope Farm community area

Woolslope pathway

This image was taken in autumn 2013 once the work had been completed. The vegetation adjoining the paths has quickly grown, enough to 'soften' the edges and this facility has become a very attractive feature that all can use - either for recreation, or as a pleasant way to reach the shopping areas at Tricketts Cross!

The Petwyn: our 'village green' . . . .

The last 'open space' to be described wouldn't take anyone too long to walk along - or round! It is the strip of grassed land between Queen's Close and Pennington Road, running alongside Station Road, that is known as " The Petwyn ". It got its unusual name from a past yeoman farming family living in this part of West Moors in the latter 16th and early 17th century - one of several such who farmed in a small way along the Mannington & Uddens waters - and who, in 'combine' with several other such farmers, bought tracts of rough heathland for low-level agricultural use - principally the supply of fuel through cutting of turf and collecting gorse & furze.

The Petwyn from Station Road

Central seating area: The Petwyn

By the 1990s, much of the lands around The Petwyn had been thoroughly developed ... and there were plans for building on the open space which led to a large public response to prevent its development. Through the efforts of the whole community the land was purchased on behalf of West Moors, and was further safeguarded when it was granted Village Green status in 2006.

It is now administered by the Town Council and hosts the War Memorial at one end, a 'secular' memorial at the other, a collection of seating areas and the village flagpole. Remembrance services and the annual Christmas Fair ( " Carols on the Petwyn " ) also take place.

There is a little more on the background history in a document hosted on this web site.

Armistice Day assembly