Blandford's Green Spaces

Marsh and Ham, Stour and Langton Meadows

This is the green heart of Blandford. The Marsh and Ham borders the northern bank of the River Stour downstream of the town bridge; the Ham gets its name from the shape of the land between the main course of the river and the smaller stream surrounding it. The tree-lined riverside path, with its views of the both the old town bridge and the newer Mortain (blue) footbridge, is a lovely place to walk or sit on a sunny day.

The Stour Meadows, on the southern side of the river, are connected to the town centre by two footbridges which themselves are linked by the Rotary Way all-weather path. Kingfishers, little egrets and otters can often be seen here, and throughout the spring and summer Blandford residents can follow the progress of the swans as they raise their family of cygnets. The grass and vegetation are kept short for recreation in the western half of the meadows, and there is an outdoor gym and running trail map near the entrance from the Stour Meadows carpark. In the eastern half, nature and the environment take priority. The large ponds are fringed by beautiful meadow flora, and are home to a wealth of wildlife including dragonflies, damselflies, heron and a variety of other birds.

Across the Preetz (black) footbridge, Langton Meadows hold the remains of the bridge where the Somerset and Dorset Railway Line used to cross the river. The railway arches have been restored and are used as an occasional venue for performances, and community events and activities.

The meadows can be easily reached from the Marsh and Ham (Morrisons) car park (OS Grid Ref: ST 88440 06114, What3Words address: ///abolish.pleaser.finds), the Langton Road (M&S) car park (ST 88817 06184, ///curvy.bookcases.wanted), or the free Stour Meadows car park (ST 88762 05984, ///trample.anode.kickbacks).

Woodhouse Gardens

Woodhouse Gardens provide a calm and peaceful refuge in the centre of the town, where you can sit and watch the birds and insects that are attracted by the colourful flowerbeds. A mosaic maze on the central footpath commemorates the 400th anniversary of the granting of the royal charter to Blandford Forum in 1605, and a tree sculpture marks Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
The gardens are maintained by the Town Council, and are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Woodhouse Gardens is in The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7DN (next to the Post Office).
OS grid reference: ST 88665 06442; What3Words address: ///worthy.symphony.digitally

Angus Wood

Angus Wood is a small plot of young woodland situated amongst housing near Blandford town centre. It was planted by the Woodland Trust for Mrs Jean Angus in 1985, and donated to the community by the Angus Family in 1990. The wood is used as a setting for nature-based and storytelling events, under the stewardship of the Blandford Environmental Trust (BET). It’s also a great place for picnicking, dog walking or just listening to the birds singing. The woodland is permanently open to the public, and is maintained by BET members and other volunteers.

Angus Wood is on St Leonard’s Avenue, Blandford Forum DT11 7PJ.
OS grid reference: ST 88973 06563; What3Words address: ///gems.amuse.camped
The nearest car park is at Langton Road (M&S).

Milldown Local Nature Reserve

About 20 minutes’ walk from Blandford Forum’s town centre, the Milldown Nature Reserve is the perfect wildlife retreat. The rich variety of habitat attracts many butterflies and moths, and a wealth of other wildlife: more than 60 species of birds and 200 types of wildflower have been recorded here. An area of unimproved chalk grassland known as the Hangings has been designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The open meadow and woodland area are popular with walkers (and dogs) of all ages, and the paved path around the perimeter is accessible to all. There are bird feeders in the trees and a children’s play area here too. Why not bring a picnic, sit and enjoy the views over the Blackmore Vale?

A new extension to the Milldown Reserve was created early in 2023 to provide additional habitats and wildlife corridors.

Milldown Nature reserve can be reached from Maple Tree Close, Blandford Forum DT11 7UF, where there is a small car park.
OS grid reference: ST 88200 07360; What3Words address: ///jammy.astounded.nibbles