Nature is at home in Purbeck.

There are more species of animals and plants within a 10 mile radius of Wareham than anywhere in the country.

Sika and Roe deer hide in the forests. Hundreds of species of birds reside here, including the internationally protected nightjar and Dartford warbler, along with all six species of native British reptiles, 33 species of breeding butterfy, dragonflies, 500 types of moth and almost 500 flowering plants.

Studland Bay is a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) protecting the rare marine life of seahorses, endangered rays, native oysters and breeding cuttlefish.

The shallow shale beds of Kimmeridge Bay (accessed by a private toll road) excellent access to rock pools and their marine inhabitants, providing hours of fun for little explorers. Snorkelling, diving and surfing are popular here too. Drop in at the The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge, and you can hire a snorkel!

RSPB Arne is officially the most biodiverse region in the UK. Its rare lowland heathland and rich wildlife hosted Chris Packham and his team for the BBC’s Autumnwatch and Winterwatch programmes. The Visitor Information Centre is your starting point for a great day out on the reserve.

Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve host events, guided walks, boat trips, talks and activities throughout the year.

Footpaths criss-cross ancient meadows, hedgerows, woodland and along the coastline. Look out for bottlenose dolphins and seals riding the waves or puffins playing in the sea-cliffs.