Durlston NNR
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 113 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
Durlston NNR is owned and managed by Dorset County Council.
There is also a virtual tour available on the Durlston website at www.durlston.co.uk
Durlston is a fabulous 113 hectare (280 acre) hilly clifftop and countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, hay meadows, hedgerows and woodland. Whether it is the fabulous views, walks, the Great Globe, the superb geology or the fascinating array of wildlife, there is always something different to see at Durlston.
The accessible Visitor Centre is popular with families and children featuring sound from the seabed, live pictures of the seabird colonies, monthly displays and a daily diary of wildlife sightings. You can also buy guides, maps, books, souvenirs, drinks and confectionery.
Four Trails provide an ideal starting point for your exploration of Durlston. The Clifftop, Wildlife, Woodland and Victorian Trails are clearly waymarked, with good access.
As well as being a National Nature Reserve, Durlston is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and designated as Heritage Coast, Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The offshore waters are part of the Durlston Marine Research Area and the Country Park also holds a Green Flag award, recognising the quality of amenities for visitors.
Location and access
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. Park in the pay and display car park.
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). Visit www.wdbus.co.uk for full details. At the station is a taxi rank, or walk the mile or so to the Park.
By Train: The nearest mainline train station is Wareham (11miles) or Bournemouth (across the Ferry on the number 50 bus). There is a steam train that runs from Swanage to Corfe Castle. You will need to walk, take the bus or a taxi once you have arrived at the Swanage bus and train station.
Facilities
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible, and has a toilet for disabled visitors and a fully accessible viewing hide.
Durlston is a hilly cliff-top site but some areas are accessible to less mobile visitors - can depend on the ground conditions. Durlston has one 'Tramper' buggy for free loan - please phone to book or for more details. Be aware that some areas are not suitable for wheelchair, standard electric buggy, or the Tramper.
Picnic tables are located around the Visitor Centre and car parks (pay and display). Some picnic tables are wheelchair accessible. Rubbish and recycling bins can be found at the Visitor Centre.
Leaflets for each Trail are available from the Visitor Centre, where most of the Trails start. A regular programme of guided walks, events and courses for adults, families and children run throughout the year – visit the Durlston website for details.
Durlston offers a comprehensive package of services to schools, colleges and universities.
