Dewlands Common

Dewlands Common is not only an important remnant of the once expansive range of heaths stretching across south and east Dorset, but has also played a vital role in the history of the local town of Verwood.

The Common is divided into two distinct areas separated by private land. They are known as Dewlands Common North and Dewlands Common South. Both areas are rich in typical heathland wildlife.

The Heathland

The heath would have provided many materials to local workers and craftsmen in times gone by. There are several small shallow scrapes, hollows, ridges and furrows on the heath, evidence of the many uses the common would have been put to: Clay was excavated to provide raw materials for the local pottery trade; gorse, or 'furze', was cut to provide animal fodder and also to fire the pottery kilns; those with common rights turned out their livestock on the heath, allowing them to reserve the better grazing land for fattening their stock. Heather would have also been cut to make besom brooms, and heather 'turves' dug to provide fuel for heating the home. There was even a cricket pitch on the common, home to the local team 'the Furze Hackers'. Apparently the concrete wicket is still there!

Since the decline of the local industries, and in particular the pottery trade, Dewlands Common has become less productive; now the common's value lies in the habitat provided for some of Britain's rarest creatures.

There are three permissive horse routes around Dewlands Common which link into the local Bridleway network. The site is occasionally grazed by a small herd of cattle.