Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park is a 113 hectare countryside paradise, containing sea-cliffs, hedgerows, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows and woodland.
The bare statistics merely hint at the amazing diversity of wildlife: 33 species of breeding butterfly, over 250 species of bird recorded, 500 wildflowers, 500 moths and thousands of other invertebrates. Durlston's special qualities stem from a combination of geography, geology, history and careful management.
Wildlife Highlights:
Birds: In 2006, 174 species were recorded at Durlston. Four species of geese, three divers, four skuas, nine species of gull and five species of tern. Durlston is a fine place to see raptors, 16 species were recorded including four species of owl. 15 species of warbler were recorded. Highlights in 2006 included: Grey Partridge, European Storm-petrel, Montagu's Harrier, Goshawk, Long-tailed Skua, Barn Owl, Nightjar, Wryneck, Melodious Warbler, Barred Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Bearded Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Tree Sparrow, Serin, Twite, Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting.
Butterflies: The varied landscape and flora make Durlston a magnet for butterflies throughout the spring, summer and early autumn. 34 species of butterfly are seen regularly at Durlston, making it without doubt one of the very best places in Britain for butterfly watching. Notable species include the Lulworth Skipper, Adonis Blue and Chalkhill Blue.
butterfly listAdonis Blue | Essex Skipper |
Moths: Durlston is a superb place to discover these mysterious and beautiful 'creatures of the night'. The list of species is growing all the time - to date, over 458 species of 'macro-moths' and more than 200 'micro-moths' have been recorded on the Park.
Dolphins: Copmmon and Bottlenose dolphins are seen off the coast.
Facilities
The Visitor Centre has live video pictures of seabird colonies, monthly displays and a Daily Diary detailing the latest sightings. You can also buy guides, maps, books, souvenirs, drinks and confectionery. A Ranger is always on duty to help you make the most of your trip to Durlston. There are toilet facilities and a pay and display car park.
Opening Times
Easter - Oct Every Day 1000 - 1700hrs
Nov - March Weekends & School holidays only 1030 - 1600hrs
How to get there:
By Road: Take A351 from Wareham (11 miles), or come across the Sandbanks-Studland ferry from Bournemouth (10 miles) to Swanage and follow the brown tourist signs up the hill and park in the pay and display car park.
Grid reference: SZ034772
By Foot: Walk in via one of the many public footpaths from Swanage or Langton Matravers or take the South West Coast Path from the west.
By Cycle: Follow the road up from Swanage, but once you get to Durlston there are no cycle routes or bridleways, so park your cycle at the secure stands by the Visitor Centre.
By Bus: There are no buses to Durlston, but the number 40 from Poole and the number 50 from Bournemouth both arrive in Swanage (these are at a minimum hourly services).
Click here to go to the Durlston Country Park website
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.