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Durlston Country Park

By: Andy Mills
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:59
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Situated a mile south of Swanage, near Poole, this 280 acres of countryside is home to a huge diversity of wildlife including over 500 species of plant, over 250 species of bird and 34 species of butterfly.

A Visitor Centre houses a variety of constantly changing displays besides showing live pictures from the seabird colony on the cliffs and relaying the sounds from an underwater hydrophone. A series of trails has been created to allow visitors to enjoy the area and these are also available in the Visitor Centre.

The Victorian Folly of Durlston Castle was built here in the 1880s by George Burt, nephew of John Mowlem who established the famous construction company, and there are future plans to turn it into a hub for visitors to Durlston and the wider Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

For now it houses The Lookout Cafe which serves hot and cold drinks, 'homemade special of the day', snacks, cakes, lunches and ice cream in an environment which offers outstanding views of Durlston Bay, Old Harry Rocks and the English Channel.

Also at The Lookout is an exhibition of the Castle's history and future plans. Another legacy of George Burt's worth seeing is The Great Globe, a 40 ton ball of Portland limestone illustrating the Victorians view of the world.

So, whether you want spectacular coastal views, peaceful way-marked trails or a more ambitious walk along the South West Coast Path which passes through the Park, Durlston is worth a visit.

http://www.bournemouthandpoole.co.uk/durlston-country-park.htm

Andy Mills is passionate about Bournemouth and Poole. He has lived in the area for many years and has explored many of its hidden treasures. Andy is short and balding, but very cuddly.

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