Events at Avon Heath Country Park

Wildlife in Folklore Trail

Everyday throughout December and January
Poster for the wildlife in folklore trail
Winter is the season of storytelling and there are lots of ancient stories about our wildlife.

From fairies and dragons to Gods and witches, follow the trail to learn about how nature appears in folklore.

Buy your trail pack from the Visitor Centre for £3.70 between 10am to 4pm. Prize included!

Father Christmas magical grotto experience

Poster for the Santa's grotto experience.
Dates:
  • 30 November and 1 December
  • 7 and 8 December
  • 14 and 15 December
  • 21 and 22 December

£15 per child (accompanying adults go free).

Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto, includes a present for every child, and afterwards jump aboard Santa's sleigh for a great photo opportunity.

Various timeslots available when you book online.

On the day, please go to the country café a few minutes before your timeslot to check in.

Wonders of the Night Sky

Monday 20 January 2025
7pm to 9pm

Poster for the Santa's grotto experience.
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers in exploring the magical mysteries of the night sky through their telescopes and expertise. 

We will head over to our South Park where local experts will explain how to use telescopes to recognise the planets and stars that adorn our skies. 

In the event of poor weather, we will be treated to an interactive talk instead. 

£6 per person (parking charge included in price). Suitable for ages 6+.

To book, give us a call on 01425 478082 or pop into the Visitor Centre.

Mini Scots Pine Bonsai workshop

Saturday 8 February 2025 and Saturday 28 June 2025. £20 per session, flat rate, which includes families, couples and individuals. 

You need to commit to attending all 3 sessions to fully enjoy this workshop.
A bonsai tree.
Fascinated by the Japanese art of Bonsai? Then sign up for this special 3 stage Bonsai workshop with enthusiasts Barre and Peter.

Introductory talk in October followed by a group walk on the heath to identify mini Scots Pines perfect for shaping.

Return in February and join Barre and Peter out on the heath to dig up and pot your 3 specimens and get more tips about pruning and caring for your trees at home.

In June return for the final session with your 3 trees for more tips on pruning, shaping and care from Barre and Peter.

Contact us for more information and to book.

Health Walks

Every Tuesday at 2pm
A frosty morning on the heath, the heather is covered by a layer of ice, with tall conifers in the background.
Our Health Walks are on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3pm, leaving from the Visitor Centre. Led by our team of friendly volunteers they are a chance to walk with a group and perhaps make some new friends.

Special offer for any new Health Walker - get free parking for your first three weeks. And of course, the walks are also free.

You must register for the walk and complete our health questionnaire before you attend. We recommend arriving a few minutes before to check in with the walk leader. Find out more about Dorset Health Walks.

Avon Heath Outdoors

Various dates throughout the year
Avon Heath Outdoors image
Avon Heath Outdoors are expert instructors in all kinds of outdoor adventures!

Join them this festive season for family-friendly crafting workshops making wooden Christmas tree decorations and creating your very own Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

For further details and to book please visit their website or follow them on Facebook for their latest upcoming events.

Come along and get creative whilst having fun!
 

Contact us

Avon Heath Country Park

Name: Avon Heath Country Park
Email: avonheath@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 478082
Full contact details